The tumor microenvironment is a complex system composed of non-tumor host cells around tumor cells non-cellular components vascular system and soluble products which plays an important role in the initiation and progression of tumor. Components in the tumor microenvironment as therapeutic targets for tumors have attracted extensive research interest. Amino acids are the substrates for protein synthesis and are a vital source of energy and nutrients. More and more evidence indicates that amino acid metabolism affects tumor growth metastasis and other biological processes through the regulation of tumor microenvironment and is closely related to tumor immunity and drug resistance. At present dietary therapies targeting amino acid metabolism including inhibition of amino acids transporter activity regulation of amino acids biosynthesis and amino acids modified dietary have had remarkable achievements however there are still many problems to be solved. In this paper the effects of amino acid metabolism on immune cells tumor - associated fibroblasts and other components in tumor microenvironment were reviewed and studies about targeting amino acid metabolism for tumor therapy in recent years were summarized. We are aimed at providing research basis for better therapy increased therapeutic effect and less drug resistance.