The permanent activation of hepatocellular carcinoma-associated proto-oncogenes such as c-Jun and the associated transcription factors, including Stat3, by substances released from tissue-trapped schistosome eggs may represent important factors contributing to the development of liver cancer, e.g., in HBV or HCV patients with concomitant S. mansoni infection [106]. The gene discussed is STAT3; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.