Sonic Stress Downregulates STAT3 Activation in Prostate Cancer Cells Through Cytoskeleton Disruption

Abstract

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation in cancer cells leads to immunosuppression and anti-apoptosis; inappropriate activation enables cancer cells to resist different treatment modalities. Systemic STAT3 inhibitors are currently in clinical trial testing. However, localized STAT3 inhibitors may be a promising option to decrease side-effects associated with systemic therapy. We previously reported that sonic stress delivered by low intensity focused ultrasound (LOFU) decreased constitutively active STAT3 levels in prostate cancer cells (PCa).