IL-6 is produced by an HCC cell which functions as a growth factor.12 In addition, it is also reported that hepar cancer produces IL-6, so an increase in IL-6 is a sign of excessive cell growth.13 HCC is caused by abnormal IL-6 signaling in liver progenitor cells with activated STAT3.14 The binding of IL-6 to the IL-6 receptor activates STAT3, a key oncogenic transcription factor. The gene discussed is STAT3; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.