This invention provides a method for treating a subject afflicted with cancer, comprising administering to the subject (i) a BCL-2 inhibitor in conjunction with (ii) an alpha-emitting isotope-labeled agent that targets cancer cells in the subject, wherein the amounts of the BCL-2 inhibitor and labeled agent, when administered in conjunction with one another, are therapeutically effective. This invention also provides a method for inducing the death of a cancer cell, comprising contacting the cell with (i) a BCL-2 inhibitor in conjunction with (ii) an alpha-emitting isotope-labeled agent that targets the cancer cell, wherein the amounts of BCL-2 inhibitor and labeled agent, when concurrently contacted with the cell, are effective to induce the cell's death.