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

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