A second-generation antisense oligonucleotide targeting the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) with potential antitumor activity. Antisense oligonucleotide ISIS EIF4ERx suppresses the expression of eIF4E in fast dividing tumor cells. Blocking the expression of eIF4E results in inhibition of the synthesis of tumor angiogenic factors, thereby leading to the inhibition of cellular proliferation and apoptosis in tumor cells. eIF4E is overexpressed in a variety of cancers, is involved in the mRNA-ribosome binding step of eukaryotic protein synthesis and is the rate-limiting component of the eukaryotic translation apparatus.