As shown in Fig 2, the combined HR was 1.43 (95% CI: 1.23–1.67, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%) by random effects model, and when the fixed effects model was used, the same result was obtained, which revealed the positive correlation between p-STAT3 overexpression and poorer overall survival in colorectal cancer patients. The gene discussed is STAT3; the disease is colorectal cancer.