Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP), also known as p23 and histamine releasing factor (HRF), is highly conserved and homologous among plants and animals. It plays a crucial role in cell apoptosis, cell proliferation and differentiation, cytoskeleton rearrangement, inflammation, and other important biological events. TCTP also correlates with tumor progression. Research on TCTP will not only contribute to a more comprehensive knowledge of physiology and pathology cycle of many tumors, but also discover a novel therapeutic target for removing tumors. In this paper, the structure, biological features and the role of TCTP in various tumors are reviewed.