In conclusion, the expression of STAT-3, p-STAT-3, MMP-10, VEGF, KDR, HIF-1α, bFGF and IL-10 was investigated in the DEN-induced rat liver cancer model at various stages of carcinogenesis, which confirmed that tumor metastasis, invasion, angiogenesis and immune escape are associated with the sustained activation of STAT-3, thus providing experimental data to support the use of STAT-3 to inhibit HCC. This evidence concerns the gene MMP10 and hepatocellular carcinoma.