Abstract: To investigate the expression and significance of WT1 in xenotransplanted ovarian carcinoma cell SKOV3 of nude mice treated with paclitaxel. Methods: Xenotransplanted ovarian carcinoma was established in nude mice using the SKOV3 cell line. The mice were randomized into the treatment group with paclitaxel and the control group with normal saline solution. The sizes of the xenotransplanted tumors were measured and the tumor specimens were confirmed by routine hematoxylin-eosin staining. The apoptosis index was assayed using flow cytometry, WT1 and bcl-2 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry, and WT1 mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: Growth of the xenotransplanted tumor was significantly inhibited by paclitaxel therapy. Compared with the control group, the apoptotic rate was apparently increased in the treatment group ( P < 0.05 ). At the same time, the expression of WT1, bcl-2, and WT1 mRNA was obviously decreased in the paclitaxel therapy group ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion: The WT1 gene may play an important role during the apoptosis of ovarian carcinoma, and this mechanism of action may be closely related to bcl-2.