STAT3 as a therapeutic target for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), an endemic head and neck cancer found in Southeast Asia, is etiologically associated with the infection of an oncogenic virus, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Here, we review literature findings on the potential/putative role of STAT3 signaling in its pathogenesis and discuss anti-STAT3 targeting as a therapeutic and possibly prevention strategy for NPC. Lastly, the potential involvement of STAT3 in other oncovirus-associated (e.g. the human papillomavirus) head and neck cancers have not been investigated and we hope that findings in EBV-associated NPC can prompt future investigations in these cancers, which are of increasing impact in the Western countries.

► STAT3’s potential involvement in EBV-associated NPC is discussed.
► STAT3 as a good target for NPC therapy and prevention.
► Mechanisms of STAT3 activation in NPC.