NF-κB modulation and ionizing radiation:: mechanisms and future directions for cancer treatment

NF-kappa B transcription factor regulates important cellular processes ranging from establishment of the immune and inflammatory responses to regulation of cell proliferation or apoptosis, through the induction of a large array of target genes. NF-kappa B is now considered as an important actor in the tumorigenic process mainly because it exerts strong anti-apoptotic functions in cancer cells. NF-kappa B is triggered by chimio- and radio-therapeutic strategies that are intended to eliminate cancerous cells through induction of apoptosis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that inhibition of NF-kappa B by different means increased sensitivity of cancer cells to the apoptotic action of diverses effectors such as TNF alpha or chemo- or radiotherapies. From these studies as emerged the concept that NF-kappa B blockade Could be associated to conventional therapies in order to increase their efficiency. This review focuses on the current knowledge on NF-kappa B regulation and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting NF-kappa B in cancer in particular during radiotherapy. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.