Background　Cell salvage has been widely used to [used to]reduce allogeneic blood transfusion and prevent blood transfusion related complications during surgery. However, its use in cancer patients has been controversial.　Objective　To summarize the research advances of cell salvage in cancer patients and explore the possibility of cell salvage in cancer patients.　Content　This review contains three parts: cell salvage in different kinds of cancer patients, methods of removing tumor cells, and the indications and contraindications of cell salvage.　Trend　Cell salvage can be used in cancer patients. Furthermore, combined use of leucocyte depletion filter and blood irradiation will provide more safety for cell salvage use in cancer patients.