Objective:To investigate the expression of p16 gene specifically in hepatocellular carcinoma models on nude mice and the antitumor efficacy of this adenoviral vector,by using the previously constructed adenovirus,AdAFP-p16,which expresses p16 gene and targets hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods:The hepatocellular carcinoma cell line,SMMC-7721,was cultured and injected(1×106 cells/mouse) subcutaneously on the right flanks of nude mice to establish the xenograft models. AdAFP-p16 of 1×109 pfu/mouse dosage was administrated intratumorally,then the in vivo antitumor activity of AdAFP-p16 was measured,and the morphological changes were observed pathologically. Results:AdAFP-p16 can mediate p16 gene expression specifically in hepatocellular carcinoma cells,and obviously inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells on nude mice,with the inhibition rate of 60.12%. Tumor necrosis was observed after the treatment of AdAFP-p16. Conclusion:The AFP promoter could control p16 gene expression specifically in hepatocellular carcinoma. This approach obviously inhibited the growth of the hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts on nude mice,and might play an important role in the comprehensive therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.