A review. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. As>80% of patients experienced a very long pathol. progression termed the inflammation-fibrosis-cirrhosis-cancer axis. Inflammation, especially uncontrolled inflammation, plays an extremely important role in the development of liver cancer. NF-κB, a key transcriptional regulator, roles in regulation of inflammatory and immune response, apoptosis, and other stress response. NF-κB strongly links to the development of injury, fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC. Activation of NF-κB may be beneficial for normal homeostasis and defense reaction. However, excessive activation of NF-κB aggravating liver injury, promoting fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis. Targeting NF-κB have great significance for the prevention or treatment of HCC.