RITA plus 3-MA overcomes chemoresistance of head and neck cancer cells via dual inhibition of autophagy and antioxidant systems

RITA and 3-MA combination overcome the chemoresistance of head and neck cancer cells. RITA-resistant cancer cells include protective autophagy and p62 overexpression. In contrast, RITA-sensitive cancer cells exhibit low levels of p62-Nrf2 proteins with the progressive degradation of autophagic molecules in response to RITA treatment. The combined treatment of 3-MA and RITA inhibits autophagy and Nrf2 antioxidant pathways, resulting in the death of chemo-resistant cancer cells via increased oxidative stress and DNA damage.