NSCLC activate the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and WNT/β-catenin pathways, relying on astrocytic support and formation of an immune-suppressive metastatic niche6. The gene discussed is STAT3; the disease is non-small cell lung carcinoma.