CASP9 and hepatocellular carcinoma: In summary, our study demonstrated that rVP1 suppresses HCC growth, inhibits intra-hepatic metastasis, and prolongs survival in immune-competent mice by inducing apoptosis through inhibition of Akt phosphorylation, dissociation of Ku70-Bax, and activation of caspases-9, -3, and -7.