Since cytokines such as CXCL12, IGFBP2 and GDF15 can be regulated by both ER and STAT3, it is conceivable that these cytokines, in addition to anti-apoptotic genes, can be kept producing in the elevated Lnc-DC background such that these tumor cells can survive and grow even when ER signaling is shut down by clinical intervention such as estrogen deprivation or tamoxifen treatment (Fig. 6D). The gene discussed is GDF15; the disease is neoplasm.