The glucocorticoid receptor （GR） plays a critical role in signal transduction， expression of related genes and apoptosis of cancer cells. Hepatocellular carcinoma is characterized by high aggressiveness and mortality. In the exploration of the relationship between GR and hepatocellular carcinoma， numerous studies have shown that GR has an inhibitory effect on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells， which provides new ideas and methods for the clinical application of GR in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.