STAT3 in pancreatic cancer metastasis

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality associated with cancer. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 is implicated in metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Various cytokines, growth factors and environmental stimuli have been identified to activate STAT3. Attenuation of malignant transformation susceptibility of different cell types was noted on inhibition of STAT3 activation; thus, STAT3 has been put forward as a possible drug target for pancreatic cancer therapy. Several inhibitors have been proposed to regulate the upstream positive or negative control elements of STAT3 activation and target STAT3 directly. However, it is imperative to explore further for the effective STAT3 inhibitors that could improve the clinical outcome in patients with pancreatic cancer.