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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-23265) pertaining to the 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1995 Equity
Incentive Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Coulter Pharmaceutical, Inc.
of our report dated January 26, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Coulter Pharmaceutical, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997.


                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 24, 1998