Insights into the role of STAT3 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a primary malignant liver tumour whose incidence is second only to that of hepatocellular carcinoma. ICC is a highly heterogeneous disease arising from neoplastic transformation of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (cholangiocytes), and it is characterized by a very poor prognosis. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an important oncogene that is widely expressed in numerous cancers. STAT3 is a candidate target for the treatment of ICC. However, studies on STAT3 and the occurrence and development of ICC require improvements. Therefore, the present review summarized the mechanism of STAT3 in ICC and provided a theoretical basis for STAT3 to become an effective target for determining the prognosis and treatment of ICC.

Automated summary

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a primary malignant liver tumor with a poor prognosis, characterized by neoplastic transformation of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an important oncogene that may serve as a target for ICC treatment. Further research is needed to improve understanding of STAT3 and its role in ICC development.