Doubts raised about promising anti-cancer compound.

Discusses tumor-necrosis-factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a possible anticancer drug developed by Genetech and Immunex. Indication that the compound can cause liver damage as found in a study published in `Nature Medicine'; Safety profile of TRAIL; Details of the study by Stephen Strom and colleagues at the University of Pittsburg in Pennsylvania; Implications of Strom's findings.