STAT3/HDAC-IN-2 (compound 18) is a dual inhibitor of STAT3 and HDAC , inducing autophagy and apoptosis. STAT3/HDAC-IN-2 is an amphiphilic hydroxamic acid hybrid based on the natural product isopropanol lactone (IAL) and is a nanoscale anticancer agent. STAT3/HDAC-IN-2 can self-assemble in water to form nanoparticles, which have higher tumor tissue accumulation, cellular uptake and anticancer properties compared to the free state.