Chemosensitivity of liver cell carcinoma was studied by subrenal capsule assay. The method of assay was based on Bogden's one, but the antitumor activity was evaluated by tumor growth inhibition rate (TG-IR). The anticancer agent with more than 50% TG-IR was judged as positive in the chemosensitivity test. Of 3 human hepatoma cell lines transplanted in the subcutaneous space of nude mice, all of 3 were evaluable. The positive rates of ADR, MMC, CDDP, 5-FU and CPA were 66.7%, 100%, 66.7%, 100% and 0%, respectively. Of 24 patients who provided fresh tumor specimens for the assay, 12 (50%) were evaluable. The positive rates of ADR, MMC, CDDP, 5-FU and CPA were 25%, 16.7%, 16.7%, 33.3% and 8.3%, respectively. Our study suggested that 5-FU, MMC and ADR were comparatively active against the hepatoma cell, CDDP was less active than these 3 agents, CPA was inactive. These results seem to justify the use of current anticancer agents against hepatic cell carcinoma and indicate the usefulness of SRC assay for selecting chemotherapeutic agents against liver cell carcinoma.