The Effect of Doxorubicin and Thioridazine on Squamous Carcinoma Cell Line

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm affecting the head and neck region, and the incidence of SCC has been steadily increasing over the past couple of decades in spite of current advances in the diagnosis and treatment. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is of major significance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), as it is the most frequently mutated pathway. In general, this signaling pathway promotes cell survival, development, growth and differentiation. Recently, the dysregulation of this pathway has been studied at the genomic and proteomic levels, as it has a key role in the pathogenesis of HNSCC and is a prospective therapeutic target. In addition, activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway is known to be implicated in acquired resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.