STAT3 and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: For example, while we have demonstrated that the WISP1-STAT3 axis governs ECM remodeling in CAFs, further investigation is required to elucidate upstream regulators of WISP1 in the TME, potential STAT3-independent pathways co-regulated by WISP1, and the temporal dynamics of this signaling cascade during ESCC progression.