Pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) orthotopically transplanted into immune-competent mice lacking Osm (Osm−/−) generate significantly smaller tumours which exhibit an altered microenvironment with a reduction in tumour-promoting cytokines and chemokines (IL6, CXCL1, TNFα and GM-CSF) and increased abundance of αSMApos myofibroblasts. The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is neoplasm.