Potential role for STAT3 inhibitors in glioblastoma

Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2012 Jul;23(3):379-89. doi: 10.1016/j.nec.2012.04.002. Epub 2012 Jun 5.

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that translocates to the nucleus to modulate the expression of a variety of genes associated with cell survival, differentiation, proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune function. Several cancers induce constitutive STAT3 activation. Most studies have reported that STAT3 inhibition has antineoplastic activity; however, emerging evidence suggests that the role of STAT3 activity in GBM may be more nuanced than initially appreciated. The authors review the roles of STAT3 in GBM and discuss potential strategies for targeting STAT3.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Brain Neoplasms / immunology
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Survival
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism*
  • Glioblastoma / drug therapy
  • Glioblastoma / immunology
  • Glioblastoma / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / immunology
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Escape / immunology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • STAT3 protein, human