The instant invention provides methods of prognosing the ability of a zearalenone analog compound to treat a cancer in a subject, methods of prognosing the ability of a zearalenone analog compound to inhibit the growth of a cancer in a subject, and methods of prognosing the ability of a zearalenone analog compound to promote the activation of apoptosis of a cancer in a subject. Methods of treating a cancer in a subject are also provided. The invention also pertains to methods of determining whether a cancer in a subject is sensitive to treatment with a zearalenone analog compound.