Objective To evaluate the inhibitory effect and the possible mechanism of rhendostatin (rhES) on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (CNE2). Methods CNE2 cells were treated with rhES of different concentrations(25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg /ml, respectively) in vitro. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used for detecting the cell proliferation in rhES treatment at different concentrations and different time intervals. Flow cytometry was used for detecting the effect of rhES on cell cycle and apoptosis. Transmission electron microscope was used for observing the cellular morphology of CNE2 cells. Results ① MTT detection showed that rhES significantly inhibited the growth of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell CNE2 in both time and dosedependent manners. 72 hours after rhES treatment it was at 400 μg/ml, and the inhibitory rate was 41.89%, which was higher than those of the other groups. ② Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of CNE2 cells arrested in G0/G1 phase and cell apoptosis rate after rhES treatment were significantly higher than those of the control group respectively (P<0.05). ③ Transmission electron microscope identified the characteristics of apoptosis appeared in CNE2 cell of rhES group, such as crenation of cell organ, chips of chromatin margination and disappearance of caryotheca. Conclusion By inducing apoptosis and changing the cell cycle distribution, rhES can inhibit the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell CNE2 in both time and dosedependent manners.