STAT3 and neoplasm: Evidence from the literature and our findings indicates that the expression of PTEN STAT3 and VEGF-C may be interdependent, and that each has their own role and prognostic value in colorectal cancer; downregulation of PTEN tumor suppressor activity and increased STAT3 and VEGF-C expression promote tumor growth, leading to increased invasion and metastasis in colorectal cancer.