High expression of YBX1 is often detected in various cancers including HCC, and is closely related to the progression, poor prognosis and multidrug resistance.37 38 In this regard it is also of interest to note that YBX1 has been suggested as target in anticancer therapies.39 However, additional experiments are required to fully evaluate the functional role of HBV in the regulation of YBX1 expression and disease biology. This evidence concerns the gene YBX1 and cancer.