The IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway: Potential therapeutic strategies in treating colorectal cancer (Review)

Wang,Shu-Wei; Sun,Yue-Ming

doi:10.3892/ijo.2014.2259

The IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway: Potential therapeutic strategies in treating colorectal cancer (Review)

Authors:
- Shu-Wei Wang
- Yue-Ming Sun
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Affiliations: Department of Minimally Invasive Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, P.R. China
Published online on: January 15, 2014 https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2014.2259
Pages: 1032-1040

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Abstract

Among the cytokines linked to inflammation-associated cancer, interleukin (IL)-6 drives many of the cancer ‘hallmarks’ through downstream activation of the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) signaling pathway. Additionally, dysregulation of the interleukin (IL)-6-mediated JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway is closely related to the development of diverse human solid tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC). On this basis, modulation of the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway is currently being widely explored to develop novel therapies for CRC. The present review details the mechanisms and roles of the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway in CRC, describes current therapeutic strategies, and the search for potential therapeutic approaches to treat CRC.

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