Association of STAT3 polymorphism with tyrosine kinase inhibitors-induced safety and efficacy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review

Background: To elucidate and summarize the safety and efficacy of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 polymorphism in tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)-treated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Methods: Relevant studies from PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were identified and included in this systematic review after elaborate screening. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to evaluate the correlation between STAT3 polymorphism and TKIs-induced events in mRCC. Results: It was indicated that STAT3 polymorphism was associated with TKIs-induced events including stomatitis, hand-foot skin reactions (HFSR), and response in mRCC patients treated with TKIs. Considering its safety, STAT3 rs744166 was related to stomatitis development (n=1), and rs4796793 predicted the development and severity of HFSR (n=1). Furthermore, for its efficacy, STAT3 rs4796793, rs744166, and rs989119 were associated with treatment response (n=1). Conclusions: Our systematic review revealed that STAT3 polymorphisms were associated with TKIs-induced safety and efficacy in patients with mRCC.