Inhibition of mitosis or induction of apoptosis are pathways at which anti tumour therapies could be aimed. This study evaluates the actions of CGP52411 (cell growth inhibitor) and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) (inducer of apoptosis) alone and in combination on two ovarian carcinoma cell lines (PEO1 and OVCAR3). In both cell lines TGFbeta1 treatment increased the level of apoptotic cells and CGP52411 treatment reduced EGF stimulated cell growth. Combined treatment further reduced cell numbers in PEO1 cultures, demonstrating that dual therapy aimed at both aspects of cell regulation has a greater anti tumour action.