ObjectiveTo summary the progress and status of downstaging therapy in treating hepatocellular carcinoma. MethodsThe related literatures were reviewed and analyzed by searching PubMed and MEDLINE. ResultsAlthough the clinical prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma was poor, the liver resection or liver transplantation after downstaging therapy could significantly improve the prognosis of patients. However, differences were existed if different downstaging therapies and selections of standard were used. ConclusionTo improve the prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, the downstaging therapy should be ingeniously selected based on the situation of the patients.