PCT No. PCT/US97/11564 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 14, 1999 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 14, 1999 PCT Filed Jul. 8, 1997 PCT Pub. No. WO98/01132 PCT Pub. Date Jan. 15, 1998The present invention relates to specific adamantyl or adamantyl group derivative containing retinoid compounds induce apoptosis of cancer cells. These adamantyl retinoid derivatives are useful for the treatment of many cancers and solid tumors, especially androgen-independent prostate cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic carcinomas, colon cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, small cell lung carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, cervical carcinoma, brain cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, neuroblastoma/glioblastoma, and leukemia. Also, the invention relates to novel adamantyl or adamantyl group derivative compounds which are useful as active agents for the treatment or prevention of keratinization disorders and other dermatological conditions, and other diseases.