Abstract: The present invention relates to guanosine-rich oligonucleotides having the capacity to induce cell death, having characteristics of programmed cell death, in non-quiescent cells of higher eukaryotic organisms. The invention also relates to therapeutic methods involving the administration of these nucleic acid molecules to subjects suffering from, or being predisposed to, disorders involving abnormal cell proliferation and migration. The invention also concerns pharmaceutical compositions comprising the guanosine-rich nucleic acid molecules, in association with suitable carriers.