Survivin is a recently identified member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP)family, which inhibits processing of downstream effector caspase-3 and caspase-7 in cell receiving apoptotic stimulus. Unlike other IAP protein, found during embryonic and fetal development, survivin was completely down-regulated and undetectable in normal adult tissues, and became prominently reexpressed in all of the most common cancers. Survivin plays important pole in regulation of cell cycle. Its expression in tumors has been associated with increased aggressiveness, recurrence and decreased patient survival. Survivin may be a new target for cancer therapy.