Survivin is a multi-functional molecule. In addition to the critical role of survivin in the localization of the chromosomal passenger complex and the regulation of mitosis, evidence indicates that survivin plays a role both in caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptosis of cancer cells. Expression of survivin in cancer cells is strongly associated with drug and radiation resistance and many chemoprevention agents may exert their cancer prevention effects by inhibiting the expression of survivin.