In this editorial, we comment on the article by Qin et al, recently published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology. Malignant tumors of the digestive tract represent a significant health threat. Kinesin family member 14 (KIF14), a critical kinesin, is pivotal in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells. It has emerged as a focal point in recent studies of malignant tumors in the digestive tract. This article reviews the current research on KIF14 within these tumors and details its significant role in tumor cell behaviors, including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, alongside the regulatory mechanisms of the associated intracellular signaling pathways. Additionally, it explores the clinical value of KIF14 as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and prognostic evaluation in malignant tumors of the digestive tract. The article concludes by introducing the potential regulatory role of traditional Chinese medicine, aiming to combine the strengths of both modern and traditional medical approaches to enhance treatment outcomes and prognosis for patients with these tumors.