Oncostatin M: A mysterious cytokine in cancers

Oncostatin M (OSM), as a member of the Interleukin-6 family cytokines, plays a significant role in inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancers. It is mainly secreted by T lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages and was initially introduced as anti-cancer agent. However, in some cases, it promotes cancer progression. Overexpression of OSM and OSM receptor has been detected in various cancers including colon cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, myeloma, brain tumors, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and hepatoblastoma. STAT3 is the main downstream signaling molecule of OSM, which operates the leading role in modifications of cancer cells and enhancing cell growth, invasion, survival, and all other hallmarks of cancer cells. However, due to the presence of multiple signaling pathways, it can act contradictory in some cancers. In this review, we will discuss the emerging roles of OSM in cancer and elucidate its function in tumor control or progression and finally discuss therapeutic approaches designed to manipulate this cytokine in cancer.