NF-κB as a molecular target in adjuvant therapy of gastrointestinal carcinomas

Aim. To describe the role of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) in cancer treatment. Methods. We searched the Pubmed database (until Oct, 2004) with the keywords of gastrointestinal carcinoma, NF-kappa B, inhibitor, cancer treatment molecular target and chemoresistance. We reviewed the Literature in the role of NF-kappa B activation in chemoresistance, tumour growth suppression and enhancement of apoptosis in gastrointestinal carcinomas. Conclusions. Several possible strategies for inhibiting NF-kappa B activation are identified. The importance of targeting NF-kappa B as a potential therapeutic approach in clinical medicine was discussed. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.