Abstract: Methods of treating adenocarcinoma cells such as NSCLC cells are disclosed that depend upon the level of functionally active LKB1 expressed in the cancer cells being treated. In one embodiment, the cancer cells express functionally active LKB1 and the method comprises contacting those cells with a LKB1-stimulating amount of a COX-2-specific inhibitor in combination with an inhibiting amount of a specific inhibitor of mTOR. In another embodiment, the cancer cells express about 25 percent or less of the normal, functional LKB1 expressed by non-transformed cells of the same type are contacted with a growth inhibiting amount of an agent that inhibits cellular metabolism and induces energetic stress.