The Unholy Trinity: Inflammation, Cytokines, and STAT3 Shape The Cancer Microenvironment

Tumor-associated inflammation is a consequence and a driver of tumorigenesis. Three papers in this issue of Cancer Cell demonstrate the importance of tumor-elicited inflammation in the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous carcinoma. Disruption of tissue homeostasis culminates in activation of STAT3, generating a pro-tumorigenic inflammatory microenvironment.