The p53 gene is one of the most common targets for genetic abnormalities in human laryngocarcinoma. In this report, the ability of wild-type p53 gene to induce apoptosis of laryngocarcinoma cell was examined. The wt-p53 gene recombinant retroviral vector was constructed and the PA317 packaging cell line producing virus established. The recipient cell lines of Hep2 (laryngocarcinoma) containing the abnormal p53 gene were transfected in vitro with 1 ml fresh retroviral stock produced by the PA317. Southern-blot and Northern-blot were performed using the probe (1.7 Kb p53 cDNA). Assays for in vitro growth characteristics were performed. The result showed that introduction of wt-p53 greatly suppressed in vitro cellular growth of the laryngocarcinoma cell line and identified that the wt-p53 gene mediated the process of cell apoptosis. In conclusion, the retroviral vector-mediated wt-p53 gene transfer appeared to be able to induce the apoptosis in human laryngocarcinoma bearing multiple genetic lesions. The observation strongly suggests that inactivation of the p53 gene plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of laryngocarcinoma.