Nevertheless, we propose the VEGF ligands/receptors interplay12,13 (unbalanced in AFP-high tumours due to VEGFB/PGF overexpression) as a rationale for the enhanced activation of the VEGF pathway and thus the efficacy of ramucirumab in AFP-high HCC3 (Fig. 1c). The gene discussed is VEGFB; the disease is neoplasm.