Hepatectomy promotes recurrence of liver cancer by enhancing IL-11-STAT3 signaling

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing surgical resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are at risk of recurrence; however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. METHODS: Through the analysis of gene expression profiles in tumour and matched normal tissues from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we identified differences in interleukin-11 (IL-11) expression. Further, we used genetic mouse, orthotopic tumour, chemically induced, and orthotopic allograft models to study the correlation between IL-11 and postsurgical recurrence. Additionally, we conducted a series of experiments, including histology and immunohistochemistry analysis, three-dimensional culture, immunofluorescence, western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry to investigate the role of IL-11-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in HCC recurrence. FINDINGS: We demonstrate that IL-11 levels increase after surgery, triggering HCC outgrowth. Accordingly, pharmacological blocking of IL-11-STAT3 signaling in model systems significantly alleviates tumour cell proliferation and suppresses postsurgical recurrence of HCC tumours. INTERPRETATION: These data demonstrate that IL-11 has a central role in postsurgical HCC recurrence, and that inhibition of IL-11-STAT3 signaling is a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent recurrence. FUND: Natural Science Foundation of China.