Coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is originally identified as the cellular receptor of 2-and 5-type adenoviruses. Many researches have suggested that CAR can affect the growth, adhesive ability and cytoskeleton of tumor cells, and has complicated functions in metastasis and invasion of tumors. Moreover, the expression of CAR has close relationship with tumor prognosis and cytoreduction mediated by adenoviruses. CAR has become a new hotspot in the research on mechanism of tumor progression and gene therapy. Our review focuses on the structure and function of CAR and its role in mediating occurrence and progression of tumor.