1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-8 pertaining to the 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1995 Equity Incentive
Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan, of Coulter Pharmaceutical, Inc. of our
report dated October 31, 1996 (except for Note 10 as to which the date is
January 24, 1997) with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
Coulter Pharmaceutical, Inc., included in its Form S-1, as amended (No.
333-17661), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Palo Alto, California
March 11, 1997