Compositions and methods for the treatment of trail-resistant cancer

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the treatment of cancer involving activation of the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand receptor (TRAILR) pathway. In particular, the present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the identification of genes conferring TRAIL resistance, and the development of rational drug combinations targeting these genes. The therapeutic drug combinations of the present disclosure function synergistically to sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL-resistant cancers.