Dishevelled, EGL‑10 and pleckstrin domain-containing 1 (DEPDC1) has been identified as a crucial factor in the development and progression of various types of cancer. This protein, which is largely undetectable in normal tissues but is highly expressed in numerous tumor types, serves a significant role in cell mitosis, proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, autophagy and apoptosis. Furthermore, DEPDC1 is implicated in several key signaling pathways, such as NF‑κB, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‑catenin and Hippo pathways, which are essential for cell proliferation and survival. The expression of DEPDC1 has been linked to poor prognosis and survival rates in multiple types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Notably, DEPDC1 has been suggested to have potential as a diagnostic and prognostic marker, as well as a therapeutic target. Its involvement in critical signaling pathways suggests that targeting DEPDC1 could inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, thereby improving patient outcomes. In addition, clinical trials have shown promising results for DEPDC1‑derived peptide vaccines, indicating their safety and potential efficacy in cancer treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review addressing the role of DEPDC1 in cancer. Through a critical analysis of existing studies, the present review aimed to consolidate existing knowledge and highlight gaps in understanding, paving the way for future research to elucidate the complex interactions of DEPDC1 in the context of cancer biology.

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