STAT3 and neoplasm: In NSCLC, cancer cells can enhance cell adhesion and metastasis via the TLR4-MAPK-ERK1/2 pathway.340 Additionally, the inhibition of TLR4 in cancer cells has been shown to reduce tumor metastasis in colon and gallbladder cancer, potentially by attenuating the activation of the NF-κB pathway.341,342 Furthermore, HCC cells can promote tumor migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the TLR4/STAT3 axis.343 EMT refers to the biochemical changes that epithelial cells undergo to acquire a mesenchymal, motile phenotype.