A method of inducing apoptotic death of a neoplastic cell, whereby the neoplastic cell is contacted with an apoptosis-inducing amount of a methylol-containing compound. This method is useful for treating both primary and metastatic cancers. A preferred embodiment includes administering a methylol transfer agent to the mammal, at a total daily dose of from about 2 g to about 60 g, the administration including at least two dosing cycles, each dosing cycle including an infusion phase of about 1 to 8 days, and a non-administration phase of about 1 to 14 days. Another embodiment includes treating liver cancer by administration of a solution of a methylol transfer agent directly to the liver via a hepatic vessel.
