Photodynamic therapy based on Cherenkov radiation is a new type of photodynamic therapy without external light excitation. Cherenkov radiation produced by radionuclides can activate photosensitizers nearby to produce reactive oxygen, so as to damage target cells and tissues. It overcomes many limitations of the traditional photodynamic therapy, such as limited tissue penetration and dependence on external light. It is a promising new field and provides a novel direction for tumor treatment. The weak Cherenkov radiation, the attenuation of Cherenkov radiation by tissues, the lack of corresponding photosensitizers, and the poor tumor targeting are the key factors limiting the further clinical applications of Cherenkov radiation. How to enhance the efficacy of photodynamic therapy based on Cherenkov radiation is the future research focus. Increasing the intensity of Cerenkov radiation and combining with nanotechnology to modify the surface of photosensitizers can improve the therapeutic effect. Meanwhile, the mechanism of photodynamic therapy is still controversial and further studies are needed. The research progress of photodynamic therapy based on Cherenkov radiation for tumors is reviewed.