NF-kappaB: Key mediator of inflammation-associated cancer

The NF-?B 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-?B in promoting cancer progression during inflammation (Greten et al 2004 Cell 118: 285-96, Luo et al 2004 Cancer Cell 6: 297-305, Pikarsky et al 2004 Nature 431: 461-6). Results from these studies suggest that NF-?B 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.