Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the effect of 4-amino-2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl retinate(ATPR) on the proliferation and differentiation of human gastric cancer cells SGC-7901,human liver cancer cells Bel-7402 and human colon carcinoma cells HT-29. MethodsSolid tumor cells were cultured in vitro and treated with ATPR of different concentration. The proliferation was detected with MTT test. ALP,LDH and γ-GT were measured by spectrophotometer for enzyme activity, AFP and CEA were measured by ELISA. The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. ResultsThe growth of solid tumor cells treated with ATPR was inhibited in a does-dependent manner. ALP and LDH activity of SGC-7901 suppressant.AFP,LDH and γ-GT of Bel-7402 decreased while the expression of CEA of HT-29 increased. G0/G1-phase cells significantly increased while S-phase cells decreased with the elevation of ATPR concentration. Cell cycle progression was blocked in the G1 phase. ConclusionATPR could induce differentiation of solid tumor cells.