Can NF-κB Be Considered a Valid Drug Target in Neoplastic Diseases? Our Point of View

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Multidrug resistance (MDR) presents a significant obstacle in effectively treating various cancers.
• Both innate and acquired forms of MDR diminish the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents.
• Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) is implicated as a key regulator in the development of MDR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical role of NF-κB in inducing MDR in specific cancer models.
• To present pharmacological strategies aimed at inhibiting NF-κB to overcome MDR.
• To discuss current clinical trials and future therapeutic potential of targeting NF-κB in cancer.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on NF-κB's role in MDR.
• Analysis of preclinical data on pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB.
• Examination of clinical trial outcomes and emerging research on NF-κB as a drug target.

Main Results:

• NF-κB activation is a common mechanism underlying MDR in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
• Pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB can restore chemo-sensitivity in these models.
• Evidence supports NF-κB as a viable therapeutic target for overcoming MDR.

Conclusions:

• Targeting NF-κB is a promising strategy to combat MDR in challenging cancers.
• Further clinical investigation into NF-κB inhibitors is warranted.
• NF-κB represents a significant therapeutic target for improving cancer treatment outcomes.