The present invention provides methods for the preselection of a subject for therapeutic treatment with elesclomol based on modulated levels of hypoxia in the subject. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods for the preselection of a subject for therapeutic treatment with elesclomol based on modulated levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The invention also provides methods for treating cancer in a subject by administering an effective amount of elesclomol to the subject, wherein the subject has a modulated level of hypoxia. The invention further provides kits to practice the methods of the invention.