ObjectiveTo summarize the biological function of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) in tumor progression, and its roles in clinical diagnosis and treatment in recent years. MethodsLiteratures about the recent studies on molecular structure of EMMPRIN and biological function in tumor progression were reviewed according to the results searched from PubMed database. ResultsEMMPRIN play important roles in the tumor progression, involved in inducing the degradation of extracellula matrix, promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, enhancing chemoresistance and so on. ConclusionEMMPRIN could be a potential therapeutic target in turmor.