Amongst them NVP-BHG712 (see structure in Figure 1) inhibited erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma, EphB4 kinase activity in the low nanomolar range, showing—in cellular assays—high selectivity for targeting the EphB4 kinase when profiles against other kinases in biochemical as well in cell based assays. Here, EPHB4 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.