English

Y Pan

doi:10.13172/2053-3918-1-2-1101

Abstract

Introduction Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an Epstein–Barr virus-associated head and neck cancer which is most common in eastern Asia. Epstein–Barr virus infection, environmental factors and genetic susceptibility play important roles in nasopharyngeal carcinoma pathogenesis. Correlation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat3) overexpression with poor prognosis for nasopharyngeal carcinoma provides evidence that it is involved in the tumourigenic process. In this review, we highlight recent advances in studies on the oncogenic role of Stat3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its potential as a therapeutic target for this cancer. Conclusion Despite different approaches to identify small molecules that effectively inhibit Stat3 signalling, further studies will be needed to make these molecules more effective for improved clinical outcomes.

Highlights

Introduction Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an EpsteinBarr virus-associated head and neck cancer which is most common in eastern Asia
Emerging evidence suggest a signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (Stat3) signalling pathway is critically involved in the pathogenesis of NPC6,7
In this review, we provide an overview of the role of Stat[3] in Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumourigenesis and summarise recent findings that highlight the novel roles of Stat[3] in this process

Summary

Introduction

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a head and neck cancer with remarkable ethnic and geographic distribution[1]. This Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated epithelial malignancy is relatively rare in most parts of the world but is a significant disease burden in Southern China, Southeast Asia, Northern Africa and Alaskan Inuits. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are currently considered as the main treatment for NPC patients and have improved NPC survival rates[4]. The prognosis for metastatic NPC remains poor, even with combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy, with relapse rates as high as 82%5. We summarise approaches to inhibit Stat[3] expression and suggest that Stat[3] is a promising therapeutic target in combating human NPC

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion