STAT3 and neoplasm: Proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1α/β, IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-11, and their downstream transcription factors, including NF-κB and STAT3, construct an immunosuppressive stroma that addicts tumor cells; therefore, these factors are emerging as potential targets for CRC therapy2, 31, 32, 44.