It was shown that IL6-producing TAM may promote the expansion of cancer stem cell in HCC.51 Although phenotype of TAM cannot be identified here, as both M1-like and M2-like macrophages could produce IL6,52 it indicates the role of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages may not be as direct as M2 macrophages. This evidence concerns the gene IL6 and hepatocellular carcinoma.