Using NF-κB as a molecular target for theranostics in radiation oncology research

Abstract

Resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is a major challenge to current anticancer treatment. The NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in tumor development and progression, and results in unsatisfactory treatment outcome. Inhibition of the NF-κB signaling cascade may sensitize the resistant cancer cells to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Here, the correlation of NF-κB molecules with carcinogenesis and tumor progression, along with its significance in clinical practice, is reviewed. The potential clinical application of NF-κB and its associated molecules as diagnostic and therapeutic targets is also discussed.

Keywords::

• chemoresistance
• IKK inhibitor
• molecular targeting
• nanoparticle
• NF-κB
• radioresistance
• sorafenib

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the imaging facilities of the Molecular and Genetic Imaging Core of the National Research Program for Genomic Medicine, Taiwan.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This manuscript was supported by grants NSC 99-2623-E-010-001-NU, 100-NU-E-010-003-NU and NSC 100-2321-B-010-013 from The National Science Council, Taipei, Taiwan. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.