IL6 and infection: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a key molecule of the immune response that is produced in response to infections and tissue damage.10 Elevated blood levels of IL-6, independent of other risk factors for HCC, have been associated with a higher risk of developing HCC.11 Furthermore, by promoting the repair and stimulation of countersignalling (antioxidant and anti-apoptotic/pro-survival) pathways, IL-6 protects tumor cells against DNA damage, oxidative stress, and/or apoptosis caused by anticancer treatments.