IL-6 in the Ecosystem of Head and Neck Cancer: Possible Therapeutic Perspectives
Michal Španko, Karolína Strnadová, Aleš Jan Pavlíček, Pavol Szabó, Ondřej Kodet, Jaroslav Valach, Barbora Dvořánková, Karel Smetana, Lukáš Lacina
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a highly potent cytokine involved in multiple biological processes. It was previously reported to play a distinct role in inflammation, autoimmune and psychiatric disorders, ageing and various types of cancer. Furthermore, it is understood that IL-6 and its signaling pathways are substantial players in orchestrating the cancer microenvironment. Thus, they appear to be potential targets in anti-tumor therapy. The aim of this article is to elucidate the role of IL-6 in the tumor ecosystem and to review the possible therapeutic approaches in head and neck cancer.
Topics & Concepts
CancerTumor microenvironmentHead and neckHead and neck cancerInflammationCytokineMedicineCancer therapyBioinformaticsBiologyCancer researchNeuroscienceImmunologyInternal medicineSurgeryCytokine Signaling Pathways and InteractionsCancer Cells and MetastasisChemokine receptors and signaling