CXXC zinc finger protein-1 (CFP1) is an epigenetic regulator involved in DNA methylation and histone modification in mammalian cells. Studies have shown that the disorder of CFP1 affects gene expression, DNA damage repair, signal transduction, proliferation, division and differentiation of cells, and is closely related to the occurrence, development, treatment and poor prognosis of malignant tumors. This paper provides a brief review of the basic function of CFP1 and research progress on its role in malignant tumors to provide the basis for follow-up research on new tumor markers and potential therapeutic targets.