FOXM1: A small fox that makes more tracks for cancer progression and metastasis

Transcription factors (TFs) are indispensable for the modulation of various signaling pathways associated with normal cell homeostasis and disease conditions. Among cancer-related TFs, FOXM1 is a critical molecule that regulates multiple aspects of cancer cells, including growth, metastasis, recurrence, and stem cell features. FOXM1 also impact the outcomes of targeted therapies, chemotherapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in various cancer types. Recent advances in cancer research strengthen the cancer-specific role of FOXM1, providing a rationale to target FOXM1 for developing targeted therapies. This review compiles the recent studies describing the pivotal role of FOXM1 in promoting metastasis of various cancer types. It also implicates the contribution of FOXM1 in the modulation of chemotherapeutic resistance, antitumor immune response/immunotherapies, and the potential of small molecule inhibitors of FOXM1.

Automated summary

Transcription factors (TFs) play a crucial role in regulating signaling pathways associated with cell homeostasis and disease, and FOXM1 is a critical TF involved in various aspects of cancer cells. It affects cancer growth, metastasis, recurrence, stem cell features, as well as the outcomes of targeted therapies, chemotherapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Recent studies highlight the specific role of FOXM1 in cancer and suggest its potential as a target for therapy.