The present invention relates to the use of compounds such as compounds of the xanthenone acetic acid class such as 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) for the treatment of cancer, wherein the compounds are administered gastrointestinally, preferably orally. More particularly, the invention is concerned with the use of such compounds, wherein the compound is delivered to the site of action in the patient to be treated in two or more doses.