Abstract: 5-aminolevulinic acid（5-ALA） is a strong photosensitizer， and it is widely used in photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy. 5-ALA is a precursor of PpⅨ which is generally accumulated higher in tumor cells than normal cells. Irradiation and ultrasound irradiation excitate PpⅨ in tumor cells and produce reactive oxygen species（ROS）， and damage DNA， mitochondria membrane and the other cell membrane then causes the apoptosis， necrosis. This article reviews the experimental and clinical research progression of 5-ALA in photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy of tumor recent years.