NF-κB: Key mediator of inflammation-associated cancer

The NF-κB family of transcription factors, well-known for regulating immune and inflammatory responses, has recently been identified as a molecular link between chronic inflammation and cancer. Using distinct models of inflammation-associated cancer, three recent reports now show the importance of NF-κB in promoting cancer progression during inflammation (Greten et al., Cell 2004, 118:285-96; Luo et al., Cancer Cell 2004, 6:297-305, Pikarsky et al., Nature 2004, 431:461-6). Results from these studies suggest that NF-κB exerts its oncogenic effects in both tumor cells and in the tumor microenvironment, promoting the survival of premalignant epithelial cells while also stimulating release of pro-inflammatory mediators from activated macrophages that promote tumor growth.