Objective To summarize the important role of sirtuin type 1 (SIRT1) in the development of gastrointestinal tumors. Methods Domestic and international publications related to biological functions of SIRT1 and its role in gastrointestinal tumors in recent years were collected and reviewed. Results SIRT1 had a significant high expression in esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer tissues, by associating with long noncoding RNA (LncRNA), microRNA, and autophagy. It affected the occurrence and development of gastrointestinal tumors. Conclusions Abnormal expression of SIRT1 is closely related to the occurrence and development of gastrointestinal tumors.