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

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.