One hundred and thirty-three subarachnoid phenol blocks were performed in 90 patients with intractable pain secondary to gynecologic cancer from 1961-1975. Excellent to moderate pain relief was obtained in 77% of 117 evaluable blocks. Fifty-two percent of the blocks gave relief of over 1 mo. duration and 27% over 2 mo. Fourteen patients had a 2nd contralateral block, and 11 obtained 4-8 wk relief. Complications were temporary and occurred in 71% of the blocks, the most common being urinary and rectal incontinence. Subarachnoid phenol block is an effective method for relief of intractable pain. Its use in gynecologic oncology is discussed.