A survivin siRNA expression vector was transfected into glioma U-87MG cells and these cells were then treated with paclitaxel. The results showed that survivin-specific siRNA combined withrnpaclitaxel treatment synergistically inhibited glioma U-87MG cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. This treatment also inhibited the expression of the cell cycle regulatory proteins, survivin, cyclinD1, c-Myc and CDK4 and enhanced the sensitivity of U-87MG cells to paclitaxel.