We have investigated the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on the development and growth in nude mice of tumors derived from the human neuroblastoma cell line LA-N-5. When cells were treated with 4 x 10(-6) M RA in vitro there was a marked reduction in the number of mice developing tumors when compared to solvent-treated controls. In vivo treatment with RA reduced tumor formation when the retinoid was given for 5 days before tumor injection and continued for 14 days thereafter. In established tumors, RA inhibited progressive tumor growth. There was no demonstrable effect of RA in vivo on the morphologic phenotype of the tumor cells when these regimens were used. We conclude that oral retinoid administration may prove useful in inhibiting or arresting the growth of neuroblastoma, particularly when there is a small initial tumor burden.