Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are overexpressed in various human cancers and play significant roles in tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, metastasis, and death. While Hsp levels are not informative at the diagnostic level, they serve as useful biomarkers for carcinogenesis in some tissues and indicate the degree of differentiation and aggressiveness of certain cancers. Circulating levels of Hsp and anti-Hsp antibodies in cancer patients may also aid in tumor diagnosis. Several Hsps, such as Hsp27 and Hsp70, are associated with poor prognosis in specific cancers, and their expression can predict response to anticancer treatments. Hsp targeting has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, including pharmacological modification of Hsp expression and use of Hsps in anticancer vaccines. The field of Hsp in cancer research is still in its early stages, and further studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying Hsp dysregulation and its implications in tumor progression and therapy.Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are overexpressed in various human cancers and play significant roles in tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, metastasis, and death. While Hsp levels are not informative at the diagnostic level, they serve as useful biomarkers for carcinogenesis in some tissues and indicate the degree of differentiation and aggressiveness of certain cancers. Circulating levels of Hsp and anti-Hsp antibodies in cancer patients may also aid in tumor diagnosis. Several Hsps, such as Hsp27 and Hsp70, are associated with poor prognosis in specific cancers, and their expression can predict response to anticancer treatments. Hsp targeting has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, including pharmacological modification of Hsp expression and use of Hsps in anticancer vaccines. The field of Hsp in cancer research is still in its early stages, and further studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying Hsp dysregulation and its implications in tumor progression and therapy.