As a member of the histone lysine-specific demethylase family, KDM1A plays a pivotal role in biological processes including signal transduction, chromatin reprogramming, embryo development, hematopoiesis, glucose and lipid metabolism. Recently, increasing studies and clinical evidences suggest that the expression of KDM1A is related to initiation and development of tumors and plays a key role in regulating of initiation and development of tumors, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and liver cancer. KDM1A binds to distinct complexes and mediates different downstream signaling pathways. However, KDM1A often plays an oncogenic role in the initiation and development of tumors. Based on the current literatures, we describe the latest research of KDM1A in the initiation and progression of various tumors, and summarize its mechanism of actions, to provide clues for cancer therapy.