STAT3 inhibition, a novel approach to enhancing targeted therapy in human cancers (review)

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a key role in cellular processes including differentiation, proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and immune function.
• Constitutive activation of STAT3 is frequently observed in human cancers, highlighting its oncogenic role.
• STAT3 is recognized as a significant therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize recent research on STAT3 inhibition strategies.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of STAT3 inhibition in solid tumors.
• To provide an updated overview of the field for researchers and clinicians.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Medline databases.
• Studies focusing on STAT3 inhibition in solid tumors were critically reviewed and analyzed.
• Different approaches to STAT3 inhibition were identified and compared.

Main Results:

• STAT3 activation is abnormal and oncogenic in various cancers.
• Three primary strategies for STAT3 inhibition exist: modulating upstream regulators, RNA-based regulation, and direct targeting of the STAT3 protein.
• Small molecule inhibitors targeting the STAT3 protein have been the most extensively studied, with promising preclinical and clinical data.

Conclusions:

• Targeting STAT3 represents a viable therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.
• STAT3 inhibitors hold potential for broad clinical impact across multiple solid tumors.
• Further research into STAT3 inhibition is warranted to optimize its clinical application.