Objective:To detect the expression and explore the role of miR-497/IGF-1R in hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) invasion and migration. Methods: The expressions of miR-497/IGF-1R in HCC samples and cell lines were detected by real-time PCR. Meanwhile, IGF-1R protein in HCC tissues and cell lines was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. In addition, the invasion and migration of HCC cells were analyzed by overexpressing or suppressing miR-497. Results: The expression of miR-497 was decreased in HCC samples compared with the adjacent non-cancer tissues, especially in HCC samples with vascular metastasis. The same results were observed in HCC cell line, the expression level of miR-497 decreased much more significantly in MHCC-97H than other cell lines. IGF-1R expression was significantly increased in HCC and HCC-derived cells. MiR-497 overexpression decreased the expression of IGF-1R and suppressed the invasion and migration of MHCC-97H. MiR-497 silenced SMMC-7721 cellular invasion and migration, which were enhanced with a boost in IGF-1R. Conclusion: This study indicates that miR-497 is downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, and miR-497 overexpression suppresses tumor cell invasion and migration with a decreased expression of IGF-1R. The study of miR-497 may provide a new therapeutic option for HCC.