SMAC mimetic compounds (SMCs) activate apoptosis by binding to the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins and have had disappointing effects as single agents. SMCs might only be effective in tumours in which death-inducing proteins are generated in substantial amounts. A new study combined SMCs with agents such as oncolytic viruses that generate cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor. The combination induced 'bystander death' of cancer cells and led to significant tumour regression and extended survival in mice. Thus, this combination might be a viable treatment for human cancers.