Targeting the NF-κB pathway in prostate cancer: a promising therapeutic approach?

Curr Drug Targets. 2016;17(3):311-20. doi: 10.2174/1389450116666150907100715.

Abstract

Rel/NF-κB transcription factors are key regulators of genes implicated in inflammatory and immune activation, cell growth and protection from apoptosis. Constitutive activation of NF-κB has been observed in several types of cancers. Recently, it has been shown that inflammation and cancer are molecularly linked by means of NF-κB. During prostate cancer progression, NF-κB promotes cell survival, tumor invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. NF-κB constitutive activation has been frequently demonstrated in primary prostate cancers and it correlates with loss of androgen receptor expression and castration-resistant phenotypes. Indeed, inhibition of NF-κB pathway may reduce the oncogenic effects mediated by chronic inflammatory response. Therefore, NF-κB represents a hopeful target for the treatment of prostate cancer due to its role in oncogenesis and chemoresistance. Here, the current knowledge about the roles of NF-κB signaling pathway in prostate tumorigenesis is discussed, taking into consideration the potentiality and effectiveness of NF-κB inhibitors as therapeutic agents for prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • NF-kappa B