CD44 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Furthermore, when GANT61 and sorafenib were added to CD44-positive HCC cell lines and PDO, respectively, cell viability and malignant properties were inhibited with a high degree of synergy in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that the combination of a Hedgehog signaling inhibitor and sorafenib may be effective in HCC patients with high CD44 levels [44].