Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5a/b: Biomarker and therapeutic target in prostate and breast cancer

The search for new therapeutic strategies for prostate and breast cancer is of significant interest. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5a/b (Stat5a/b) controls viability and growth of prostate cancer. Nuclear active Stat5a/b expression is clustered to high grade prostate cancers, predicts early disease recurrence and promotes metastatic dissemination of prostate cancer. In breast cancer, the role of Stat5a/b is more complex. In rodent model systems, Stat5a/b may promote malignant transformation and enhance growth of the breast tumors. In contrast, Stat5a/b activation in established human breast cancer positively correlates with tumor differentiation, prevents metastatic dissemination, and predicts favorable clinical outcome of node-negative breast cancer. Here we review the molecular structure and biological functions of Stat5a/b and discuss the potential applications of Stat5a/b for therapy development and as a prognostic marker for prostate and breast cancer.