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.

BIOCEV Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre Academy of Science and Charles University 25250 Vestec Czech Republic

Department of Dermatovenereology 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University and General University Hospital Prague 12800 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Stomatology 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University and General University Hospital Prague 12801 Prague Czech Republic

Institute of Anatomy 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University 12800 Prague Czech Republic

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