The expression of multiple tumour suppressor genes is abnormal in the liver cancer, of which p53 and Tg737 are believed to be closely associated with the occurrence of liver cancer by affecting the LCSC-like cells.13,14 The Wnt and NF-κB signalling pathways play important roles in regulating the LCSC-like cells.15,16 Apoptosis plays an essential role in not only the growth and development of cancer cells but in various diseases including tumours, immune diseases, infectious diseases and neurological diseases. This evidence concerns the gene NFKB1 and liver cancer.