Abstract: Galanin is a peptide with wideranging effects, especially within the central, peripheral nervous system and endocrine system. Many tumors of neuroendocrine origin, and also an increasing number of nonneuroendocrine cancers, have been shown to express galanin and/or its receptors. Expression of galanin peptide has been detected in pheochromocytoma, squamous cell carcinoma, pituitary adenoma, gastrointestinal cancers and so on. Galanin peptide plays an important role in tumorigenesis and progression of many kinds of tumors.Therefore, studying the roles of galanin and its receptors are helpful for diagnosis and treatment of tumors.

Key words: Galanin, Neoplasms, Galanin receptors