Moreover, TCGA database analysis showed that the expression of both IL-17A and IL-17RA in HNSC was significantly correlated with the expression of STAT3, suggesting that IL-17A binds to IL-17RA on tumor cells and activates downstream transcription factors (e.g., STAT3) to promote tumor infiltration and angiogenesis (Fig. 6a). This evidence concerns the gene STAT3 and neoplasm.