The present invention relates to increase in survival of mammals suffering from desmocollin 3 expressing cancers. Mycobacterium w is administered to mammals suffering from desmocollin-3 expressing cancers. The administration of Mycobacterium w results in control of tumor and improvement in survival. Mycobacterium w can also be used along with other therapeutic agent(s)/modalities as per the requirement. The squamous type of non small cell lung cancer is known to be desmocollin-3 expressing cancer. Other cancers also express desmocollin-3.
