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The multifaceted role of STAT3 pathway and its implication as a potential therapeutic target in oral cancer

Elina Khatoon1,2, Mangala Hegde1,2, Aviral Kumar1,2

  • 1Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Guwahati, 781 039, Assam, India.

Archives of Pharmacal Research
|August 20, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a key driver in oral cancer, promoting tumor growth and spread. Inhibiting STAT3 shows promise for oral cancer prevention and treatment, despite challenges in targeting its complex functions.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Signaling

Background:

  • Oral cancer is a significant global health concern with poor survival rates, despite treatment advances.
  • The Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway is critically involved in oral cancer development and progression.
  • STAT3 hyperactivation contributes to multiple oncogenic processes including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of the STAT3 pathway in oral cancer.
  • To highlight STAT3 inhibitors with therapeutic potential for oral cancer treatment.
  • To address the challenges in targeting STAT3 due to its complex functions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on STAT3 in oral cancer.
  • Analysis of STAT3's role in oral cancer hallmarks.
  • Identification and summary of STAT3 inhibitors for therapeutic intervention.

Main Results:

  • STAT3 signaling is implicated in oral cancer survival, proliferation, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, immunosuppression, and chemoresistance.
  • STAT3 inhibition demonstrates potential for oral cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Targeting upstream regulators like JAK and IL-6 receptors is a common strategy, but STAT3's independent functions pose challenges.

Conclusions:

  • The STAT3 pathway is a critical oncogenic driver in oral cancer.
  • Targeting STAT3 offers a promising therapeutic strategy for oral cancer.
  • Further research into STAT3 inhibitors is warranted to overcome targeting challenges and improve patient outcomes.
Keywords:
Long non-coding RNAsMolecular targetsOral cancerPharmacological inhibitorsSTAT3

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