Specifically, EGCG reduces IGF expression and inhibits IGF-1R and corresponding downstream signaling molecules, such as ERK and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), which are major signaling targets of RTKs activation, ultimately suppressing the proliferation of HCC through such IGF/IGF-1R axis (Shimizu et al., 2008; Shimizu et al., 2011a). Here, IGF1R is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.