In other cancers, such as colon and lung carcinoma, the downstream effect of inhibiting EGFR phosphorylation involves both the Akt and Erk1/2 pathways (Azzariti et al, 2004), but unlike other cancer systems, in the HCC model, there is transient inhibition of the proliferation pathway (p-Erk1/2), while there is persistence of the survival pathway (p-Akt), inducing cell growth inhibition and apoptosis. The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is cancer.