Functional genomics studies over the past decades have unveiled that the human genome transcribes a large amount of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) which have been implicated in regulation of diverse cellular functions. Dysregulation of lncRNAs are often associated with human diseases including cancer. The metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is among the most abundant and highly conserved lncRNAs. Emerging evidence has indicated that MALAT1 may have complex and extensive functions in the development and progression of cancer. In this review, we first update on the role of MALAT1 in tumorigenesis and then discuss possible molecular mechanisms that underline the MALAT1-mediated gene regulation, leading to cancer invasion and metastasis.