April 11, 2019 Steven M. Fruchtman, M.D. Chief Executive Officer Onconova Therapeutics, Inc. 375 Pheasant Run Newtown, PA 18940 Re: Onconova Therapeutics, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-3 Filed April 5, 2019 File No. 333-230744 Dear Dr. Fruchtman: This is to advise you that we have not reviewed and will not review your registration statement. Please refer to Rules 460 and 461 regarding requests for acceleration. We remind you that the company and its management are responsible for the accuracy and adequacy of their disclosures, notwithstanding any review, comments, action or absence of action by the staff. Please contact Tonya K. Aldave at (202) 551-3601 with any questions. Sincerely, Division of Corporation Finance Office of Healthcare & Insurance cc: Joanne R. Soslow, Esq.