The Role of <scp>STAT3</scp> in Cancer: From Metabolic Regulation to Therapeutic Targeting

Cancer is one of the major public health challenges worldwide, and the STAT3 signaling pathway is recognized as one of the most important signaling pathways in the progression of this disease. This pathway can increase the survival and proliferation of cancer cells and their resistance to treatment by regulating lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, apoptosis, and inflammatory processes. Therefore, STAT3 inhibition is considered an effective therapeutic approach in the fight against cancer. Two main strategies (direct and indirect) have been considered to inhibit this protein, with direct inhibition being more effective due to its more specific properties. Extensive research is also underway to design and develop effective inhibitors for STAT3, and in this regard, SH2 domain inhibitors have reached clinical trial phases.