STAT1 and neoplasm: IFN‐γ restores caspase‐8 expression through its transcriptional activation, which involves signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) or interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) pathway.45, 48, 49 Recent reports showed that IFN‐γ may increase caspase‐8 levels and thereby sensitize tumour cells to apoptotic stimuli.43, 45, 49 In this study, however, IFN‐γ–mediated restoration of caspase‐8 had no effect on TRAIL‐induced cell death, suggestive of the involvement of other factors in TRAIL resistance in IMR‐32 cells.