In 1978 the Dutch Genetic SOciety organized a symposium on the genetic aspects of the origin of tumor cells. The objective of this symposium was to reach an overview of the state of knowledge in a number of quite different fields related to each other through the genetics of the initiation of tumor cells. This monograph contains the brought-up-to-date contributions of this symposium. Herein discussed is the extent that characteristics of tumor cells can be considered as a phenotype. The possible role of somatic mutation and repair of genetic damage is studied and the analysis of genes with oncogenic potential is pursued. Also the influence of host factors in the response to oncogenic action is dealt with. This volume describes in a clear and concise manner the current status in these research areas and, it is hoped, will stimulate the exchange of information and ideas between them. Dr. F.l. CLETON, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam Dr. J.W.I.M. SIMONS, Department of Radiation Genetics and Chemical Mutagenesis, University of Leiden CONTRIBUTORS P. Bentvelzen Ph.D. Radiobiological Institute TNO, Lange Kleiweg 151, Rijswijk (ZH), The Nether lands. F.I. Cleton M.D. Antoni van Leeuwenhoek-Huis, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. P. Demant M.D. Antoni van Leeuwenhoek-Huis, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. A.I. van der Eb Ph.D., H. Iochemsen, I.H. Lupker, I. Maat, H. van Ormondt, P.1. Schrier."

The Boerhaave Committee for postgraduate Medical Education decided to organize a course on cancer treatment covering selected solid tumors, in which they felt important chan ges were emerging in the basic biologic, diagnostic and therapeutic concepts. Current management of cancer patients is intimately dependent on precise morphologic diagnosis, clinical staging and the proper application of all treat ment modalities. Many prominent investigators and clinicians of major can cer centers in the United States, Canada, and Europe con tributed by lecturing and during the panel discussions. This book is the tangible outcome of the productive ex changes during the meeting held December 6-8, 1979. In ovarian cancer the usefulness of histologic grading in determining prognosis has become clear. The most impor tant advance for the management of the patient is th- careful staging procedure, based on new concepts of tumor spread coupled with treatment tailored to the extent of disease. Survival appears to be directly related to the extent of the tumor mass. This has resulted in description and application of optimal cyto-reductive surgery. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can both effectively eradi cate small amounts of tumor."