Abstract: Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on the growth of esophageal cancer cells EC9706 in vitro and its mechanism. Methods Effect of sorafenib on the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP1, AKT and Bcl-2 were detected by qRT-PCR. Effect of sorafenib on the expression of AKT, p-AKT, Bcl-2, MMP-2 and TIMP1 were detected by Western blot. Cell apoptosis/necrosis induced by sorafenib were observed by Hoechst/PI staining. The inhibitory effect of sorafenib on EC9706 cells migration was observed by cell scratch test. Results qRT-PCR data showed downregulation of MMP-2, MMP-9, AKT, Bcl-2 and upregulation of TIMP1 mRNA, compared with the control group(P<0.05); furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed the expression of MMP-2, AKT, p-AKT, Bcl-2 proteins were downregulated and TIMP1 protein expression was upregulated in the sorafenib groups compared with the control group(P<0.05).Sorafenib was found not only to inhibit the migration of EC9706 cells in vitro by cell scratch test, but also to promote cells apoptosis in vitro by Hoechst/PI apoptosis/necrosis detection(P<0.05). Conclusion Sorafenib could upregulate the expression of TIMP1, downregulate the expression of MMP-9, AKT, MMP-2 and Bcl-2,and inhibit the migration and promote apoptosis/necrosis of esophageal cancer cells EC9706. These may be its anticancer mechanism.