Several studies have reported encouraging results for the therapeutic effects of the interferon (IFN)-based combination chemotherapy in HCC, compared with unsatisfactory results of IFN-α monotherapy (Urabe et al, 1998; Chung et al, 2000; Patt et al, 2003; Obi et al, 2006; Uka et al, 2007; Ueshima et al, 2008). This evidence concerns the gene IFNA1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.