The activation of transcription factors, such as the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and NFκB, elicited by pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL1, IL6 and IL8, secreted in the tumor microenvironment, promotes tumor epigenetic/phenotypic plasticity reflected by increased mesenchymal signature gene expression and cancer stemness. The gene discussed is STAT3; the disease is neoplasm.