Role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer

• Over-activation of the NF-κB pathway is a feature of CRC. • Suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of CRC. • This review summarizes the regulatory role of NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of CRC. The NF-κB signaling pathway is a key regulator of CRC cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, inflammation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Over-activation of the NF-κB pathway is a feature of colorectal cancer (CRC). While new combinatorial treatments have improved overall patient outcome; quality of life, cost of care, and patient survival rate have seen little improvement. Suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway using biological or specific pharmacological inhibitors is a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of colon cancer. This review summarizes the regulatory role of NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of CRC for a better understanding and hence a better management of the disease.