The invention concerns the increased stabilization and activation of p73, a homologue of p53. Specifically, the inventors have determined that c-Jun, a component of the AP-1 family of transcription factors, is necessary for stabilization and activation of p73. Thus, there is provided a mechanism for initiating an apoptotic pathway involving c-June and p73 which can be exploited to combat cancers, particularly those lacking a functional p53.