Provided herein are methods and compositions related to a retinoid receptor-selective pathway. As described herein, this pathway can be targeted to manipulate a tumor microenviroment. For example, the methods and compositions described herein can be used to induce apoptosis in a cancer cell. Further, the compositions described herein, including Sulindac and analogs thereof, can be used to target this pathway for the treatment or prevention of cancer in human patients.