Objective: To investigate the expressions and significance of Survivin, MDR1 and MRP in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expressions of Survivin, MDR1 and MRP. The correlation between the results was assessed and the impact of Survivin on prognoses was also examined. Results: Survivin was expressed in 78% tissues from NSCLC patients but not found in tissues from control patients (P < 0.05). The expression of Survivin was related to the tissue differentiation stage and lymph nodes metastasis of lung cancer. The mean survival time was shorter in patients with Survivin-expression than those who not. There was a significant correlation between MDR1 and Survivin (P < 0.05), whereas no close correlation was found between MRP and Survivin. Conclusion: (1) Survivin is of critical importance in the development of NSCLC, thus may provide an novel therapeutic target for lung cancer; (2) MDR1 and MRP present in tissues from lung cancer synergistically with Survivin, which might be involved in tumour resistance.