PDK1 and non-small cell lung carcinoma: To compare the anti-tumor activity of the single MEK or PDK1 inhibitor and the dual MEK/PDK1 inhibitor in NSCLC cells, the same concentration (20 μM) of BX517 (a PDK1 inhibitor), PD0325901 (a MEK inhibitor) and 9za (a dual MEK/PDK1 inhibitor) were used to clarify their potential effects on NSCLC cell viability and cell apoptosis.