The antiproliferation and apoptosis induced by gold(III) porphyrin 1a on cells could be enhanced by the inhibition of Akt activation pharmacologically with specific Akt inhibitor, suggesting that Akt activation might play a role in the protection against the effects of apoptosis and growth inhibition of gold(III) porphyrin 1a in neuroblastoma. The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is neuroblastoma.