The idea for convening a Fourth International Symposium on Platinum Coordination Complexes in Cancer Chemotherapy was born in an assembly of researchers from the Vermont Regional Cancer Center and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center who shared a common interest in metal complexes. It was agreed by those assembled that sufficient time had passed since the Third International Symposium on Platinum Coor dination Complexes in Cancer Chemotherapy held in 1976 at the Wadley Institutes of Molecular Medicine in Dallas, Texas, during which several advances in the chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology and clinical use of platinum complexes had occurred, to warrant a fourth symposium. Furthermore, intensive investigations in progress were bringing sophisticated methodologies to bear on the problems in the field, clinical trials were yielding interesting results, and unique approaches to cancer therapy were being designed. Therefore, an organizing committee was formed and planning culminated in the symposium which was held in Burlington, Vermont, June 22-24, 1983.

In the last decade the use of interstitial microwave antennas to deliver localized and controlled power to deep-seated tumours has been explored in institutes around the world. Simultaneously the field of brachytherapy also progressed as clinicans began to develop new implantation approaches for a variety of tumour sites, thereby promoting the insertion of catheters which could serve as conduits for the insterstitial microwave applicators. Although the challenges presented by deep-seated tumours have not been solved, the developments in the field of brachytherapy and the implantation of interstitial applicators for hyperthermia are such that a volume dedicated to this approach is warranted. This third volume in the series "Hyperthermia and Oncology" provides insight in and updated information on various aspects of interstitial hyperthermia. It aims to serve as a guide for clinicians who are either already working in the field or who wish to implement this treatment. It also provides basic aspects to physicists and biologists who are interested in the field of hyperthermic treatment.