To NFκB or not to NFκB: The Dilemma on How to Inhibit a Cancer Cell Fate Regulator

Nuclear factor κB (NFκB) is a transcription factor that plays an important role in carcinogenesis as well as in the regulation of inflammatory response. NFκB is constitutively expressed in tumours where it induces the expression of genes which promote cell proliferation, apoptotic events, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Furthermore, many cancer cells show aberrant or constitutive NFκB activation that mediates resistance to chemo- and radio-therapy. Therefore, the inhibition of NFκB activity appears a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on the role of NFκB in carcinogenesis and summarize actual inhibitors of NFκB that could be potential therapeutic target in cancer therapy.