The coordinated activation of 2 hallmarks of cancer, EMT and inflammation, which are activated through TNF-α/NF-κB, IL-6-JAK2-STAT3, and interferon signaling, underlies phenotypic plasticity and is likely to provide a unique selective advantage to the oral squamous cancer cells during local dissemination and the formation of distant metastases. The gene discussed is JAK2; the disease is cancer.