The tumour suppressive function of miR-718 was then confirmed in cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, as well as thyroid and ovarian cancers; it was shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, invasion and to regulate innate immune response by targeting VEGF, PDPK1, IRAK1, EGR3 and PTEN49–53. This evidence concerns the gene IRAK1 and hepatocellular carcinoma.