AUTHOR=Godwin Peter , Baird Anne-Marie , Heavey Susan , Barr Martin , O'Byrne Kenneth , Gately Kathy A.

TITLE=Targeting Nuclear Factor-Kappa B to Overcome Resistance to Chemotherapy

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=Volume 3 - 2013

YEAR=2013

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2013.00120

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2013.00120

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=Intrinsic or acquired resistance to chemotherapeutic agents is a common phenomenon and a major challenge to the treatment of cancer patients, especially those with progressive disease. Chemoresistance is defined by a complex network of factors including multi-drug resistance proteins, reduced cellular uptake of the drug, enhanced DNA repair, intracellular drug inactivation and evasion of apoptosis. Preclinical models have demonstrated activation of the NF-κB pathway by several chemotherapy drugs, including platinum based agents, anthracyclines and taxanes.  NF-κB is a key transcription factor, playing a role in the development and progression of cancer as well as chemoresistance through the activation of anti-apoptotic genes. Consequently, NF-κB has emerged as a promising anticancer target. Here, we describe the role of NF-κB in the cancer cell and in resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, particularly cisplatin. Additionally, the potential benefits and disadvantages of targeting NF-κB signalling by pharmacological intervention will be addressed.