Therefore, the delivery of DOX via the CD133 aptamer as CD133 aptamer-DOX conjugates has enhanced the potency of DOX in inducing apoptosis in both the bulk and cancer stem cell subpopulation of HCC cells, whereas the concomitant inhibition of autophagy further enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of DOX in these cells. The gene discussed is PROM1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.