STAT3 and neoplasm: Previous studies reported inhibition of STAT3 signaling by RNA interference (RNAi), peptides, and small molecular inhibitors lead to successful suppression of tumor cell growth and metastasis.31 In addition, series of downstream target genes of STAT3 signaling have been identified, including that encode anti-apoptotic and proliferation-associated proteins (such as Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, cyclin D1 and Survivin).32 These small molecules inhibit STAT3-mediated gene regulation, block tumor cell proliferation and selectively induce apoptosis of tumor cells with activated STAT3.