By downregulation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB/NF-κB), Bcl-2 family, and NF-kappaB-dependent antiapoptotic genes (survivin, X-linked inhibitors of apoptosis, and cyclooxygenase-2), thymoquinone could potentiate the killing of pancreatic cancer cells induced by chemotherapeutic agents (gemcitabine and oxaliplatin). Here, PTGS2 is linked to familial pancreatic carcinoma.