Classic inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, activate the NF-κB and STAT3 signalling pathways, and induce the expression of genes that promote the invasion of cancer cells and angiogenesis.5 Several cytokines, especially IL-6, have been evaluated and found to be associated with survival in CRC.6 However, the association between these cytokines and outcomes was not consistent in previous reports. Here, IL6 is linked to cancer.