IL6 and neoplasm: IL6, an inflammatory cytokine, is a major contributor to immune evasion in PDAC.[61] IL6 activates STAT3 and increases PDAC cell invasion in vitro.[62] The inhibition of STAT3 combined with gemcitabine treatment has been shown to improve survival and reduce tumor growth in mice.[63] Our findings indicate that Ccn1 regulates Il6 expression and STAT3 activation, and depletion of Ccn1 results in reduced tumor growth.