Abstract: Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) is a transmembrane protein responsible for transporting extracellular cystine into cells, facilitating cysteine production and glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Numerous studies have shown that SLC7A11 is highly expressed in various tumors and is closely associated with tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance. Starting from the sources of cysteine and its functions in tumors, this article introduces the structure and function of SLC7A11. It reviews the mechanisms for the transcriptional regulation of SLC7A11 by transcription factors and epigenetic regulators, as well as its post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. It further discusses the role of SLC7A11 in regulated cell death pathways such as ferroptosis, its immunomodulatory functions, and tumor therapeutic strategies targeting SLC7A11. This review aims to provide references for a deep understanding of the role of SLC7A11 in ferroptosis and tumor biology, and the development of novel anticancer therapies.