In the AOM/DSS-induced murine CAC model, Th17-related cytokines, including IL-17A, IL-21, IL-22, TNF-α, and IL-6, are produced by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), which could activate the STAT3/NF-κB pathway, thereby promoting CAC cell proliferation and accelerating tumor progression (92). Here, STAT3 is linked to infectious otitis media.