Osteosarcoma is a common malignant tumor of bone, but mechanisms underlying its development are still unclear. At present, it is believed that the inhibition of normal apoptotic mechanisms is one of the reasons for the development of tumors, so specific stimulation of tumor cell apoptosis can be considered as an important therapeutic method. Livin, as a member of the newly discovered inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) family, has specifically high expression in tumor tissues and can inhibit tumor cell apoptosis through multiple ways, which can become a new target for malignant tumor treatment (including osteosarcoma) and might of great significance in the clinical diagnosis of tumors and the screening of anti-tumor agents and carcinoma treatment.