These cells showed active EMT as well as increased expression of IL6 and its transcriptional downstream activator STAT3. IL6 has recently been identified to modulate EMT in human peritoneal mesothelial cells of patients undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis through activation of the STAT3 signalling pathway [73] as well as in pancreatic ductal carcinoma, where it promotes tumour growth and drug resistance [104]. Here, STAT3 is linked to neoplasm.