<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the Matrix Pharmaceutical, Inc. 1988
Restricted Stock Plan in our report dated January 21, 2000, with respect to
the consolidated financial statements for Matrix Pharmaceutical, Inc.
included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31,
1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ernst & Young LLP
Palo Alto
June 16, 2000
-9-