Targeting the NF-κB Pathway in Cancer Therapy

Most NF-kappa B inhibitors target the IKK complex, IKB proteins, or NF-kappa B transcription factors. The most promising classes of inhibitors include antioxidants, antiinflammatory compounds, natural compounds, statins, proteasome inhibitors, IKK beta inhibitors, biologics, gene therapy, and RNA interference. Targeting NF-kappa B is limited by intrinsic pathway complexity, cross-talk with other pathways, a lack of biomarkers, poor drug specificity, drug resistance, and difficulty with drug delivery. Future NF-kappa B targeting will be improved through better understanding of the pathway, more specific inhibitors, and multimodality therapies.