ObjectiveTo investigate the application value of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score in the treatment and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodThe literatures related to studies on the relationship between the ALBI score and the HCC were searched. The sources of ALBI score and its role in predicting the survival of patients after the liver cancer resection, liver transplantation, and non-surgical treatment such as radiofrequency ablation, radiotherapy, sorafenib treatment, and other therapies were reviewed.ResultsThe ALBI score was the independent prognostic factor after the hepatectomy. As a risk factor for the early recurrence of HCC after the radical hepatectomy, the ALBI score might help to determine the appropriate treatment based on the patient’s liver function when the recurrence occurred. As an independent predictor of mortality after the liver transplantation, the ALBI level 3 might be helpful in optimizing individual risk assessment for the liver transplantation. The ALBI score could be used as the reference tool for the clinicians to choose between the hepatectomy and non-surgical treatment in the patients with HCC.ConclusionsRole of ALBI score in evaluating liver function is no less useful than that of Child-Pugh grade. It plays an important role in evaluating prognosis and recurrence of patients with HCC, and is conducive to selection of individualized treatment for them, and formulation of treatment plan that maximizes benefit of patients.