A pharmaceutical composition for parenteral delivery, comprising a retinide such as fenretinide in combination with a solvent capable of dispersing or solubilizing the retinide. The solvent comprises an alcohol, such as ethanol, in combination with an alkoxylated castor oil, such as CREMOPHOR.RTM. EL, or comprising a retinide, such as fenretinide, in an emulsion composed of a lipoid dispersed in an aqueous phase, a stabilizing amount of a non-ionic surfactant, optionally a solvent, and optionally an isotonic agent. In addition, a method of use in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancers is described.