STAT3 and cancer: Additionally, activation of STAT3 frequently occurs in HCC and can transactivate certain genes expressions, such as NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2, which are transcription factors that stimulate the growth of LCSCs.37 Interleukin (IL)-6, which is produced by immune cells and hepatocytes, is an upstream regulator of STAT3.38,39 The function of STAT3 in different human cancers has been highlighted, and it is an oncogenic factor with a versatile function in accelerating tumorigenesis and the development of drug resistance.40-43