Ten studies presented data about p-STAT3 expression and lymph node metastases, a combined OR of 2.108 revealed the positive relationship between increased p-STAT3 expression and positive N status (OR = 2.108, 95% CI: 1.104–4.024, P = 0.024, I2 = 82.1%, Ph<0.001, Fig 4B). Here, STAT3 is linked to metastatic malignant neoplasm in the lymph nodes.