IKKβ exerts its multiple functions by positively regulating the activity of NF-κB but also via the phosphorylation and, hence, regulation of a number of other substrates that are important in multiple pathways affecting cell physiology.1,2 The role of IKKβ in cancer is consequently complex, showing both tumour-promoting and tumour-repressing activities, depending on the tissue and the cellular context.4 The gene discussed is NFKB1; the disease is cancer.