Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand(TRAIL) is a recently identified cytokine of apoptosis that selectively induces the apoptosis of various tumor cells but not normal cells.The members of this family known to date are TRAIL and its five related receptors.TRAIL and its receptors are expressed in ovarian malignant tumor cells and can induce their apoptosis.Many chemotherapeutic agents can enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis of malignant tumor cells,so TRAIL-induced cytotoxicity holds a powerful promise in the fight against ovarian malignant tumor.