Objective: To investigate the apoptotic threshold of adriamycin (ADM) and cisplatin (CDDP) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Sensitivities of ADM and CDDP on HCC were studied by primary cell culture. Results: The apoptotic threshold of ADM and CDDP were 1.0 μg/ml and 1.5μg/ml respectively (its clinical dosage was 20 mg and 30 mg respectively).Conclusion: Understanding apoptotic threshold of anticancer drugs may reduce clinical dosages of anticancer drugs and reduce the incidence of multidrug resistance (MDR).