On the other hand, clinical sorafenib treatment can activate the C-X-C receptor type 4 (CXCR4)/stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) axis, aggravate intratumoral hypoxia in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and further lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, CXCL12 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.