Exhibit 23.1

            Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

   We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) of Cell Therapeutics, Inc. and related
Prospectus of Cell Therapeutics, Inc. for the registration of 6,198,087 shares
of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated February 25, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
of Cell Therapeutics, Inc. included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the
year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

Seattle, Washington

April 28, 2000