Premium
Role of activated nuclear factor‐κB in the pathogenesis and therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Author(s) -
Allen Clint T.,
Ricker Justin L.,
Chen Zhong,
Van Waes Carter
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.20615
Subject(s) - head and neck squamous cell carcinoma , cancer research , carcinogenesis , pathogenesis , transcription factor , head and neck cancer , nf κb , medicine , cancer , inflammation , immunology , biology , gene , biochemistry
Background: Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), a transcription factor known to modulate expression of factors involved in inflammation, immunity, proliferation, and apoptosis, is constitutively activated and plays a role in pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Understanding the molecular alterations leading to aberrant NF‐κB activation in HNSCC may direct investigators to novel therapeutic targets. Methods: Results of laboratory and clinical studies are reviewed. Results: The structure, function, and activation of NF‐κB, products of NF‐κB target genes and their role in HNSCC oncogenesis, and current NF‐κB modulating interventions are described. Conclusions: Aberrant NF‐κB activation contributes to the expression of oncogenes and the malignant phenotype observed in HNSCC. NF‐κB, along with providing a link between cancer and inflammation, may serve as an appropriate therapeutic target to inhibit tumor growth and sensitize cancer cells to established cytotoxic anticancer therapies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2007