Malignant lymphomas remain a fascinating research topic for clinicians as well as basic scientists. Rapidly increasing technical sophistication, ex panded knowledge and broader implications of new findings underline the need for a forum to integrate the latest developments in the multiple areas involved in the challenging study of lymphoid malignancies. This volume includes contributions of renowned experts and is based on a selection of papers presented at the Second International Conference on Malignant Lymphomas that was held in Lugano, Switzerland, in June 1984. Updated information is provided on various experimental fields including cell biolo gy, immunology, genetics and cell biochemistry. Particular attention has been given to special clinical entities such as the lymphomas associated with the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Recent advances in the treat of Hodgkin's disease, ncin-Hodgkin's lymphomas and childhood lym ment phomas are highlighted with emphasis on growing experience with new therapeutic approaches including monoclonal antibodies and bone marrow transplantation. The contents of the volume reflect and translate numerous avenues of exploration. While there might be some unavoidable overlap, most appear essentially complementary. The intent of the Program Committee of the Second International Conference on Malignant Lymphomas was to promote further interactions between all those who are devoting major efforts to elucidate the nature of these diseases or their optimal therapy. This volume will hopefully amplify this objective. The Editors wish to thank the contributors for delivering the manuscripts on schedule."

The methodology of drug development has been the subject of extensive dis cussion by a relatively small group of individuals in industry and government who have been intimately concerned with the identification and study of new anticancer drugs. The Chemotherapy Program of the National Cancer In stitute has represented the major focus of initial efforts in drug development, as summarized in the historical perspective presented in chapter 1 and its references. It is no coincidence that the Chemotherapy Program was the origin of the Division of Cancer Treatment, a government entity that has had a pivotal role in the growth of clinical oncology. In an analogous fashion this book presents the methodology employed in the clinical study of anticancer drugs within the broad context of cancer treatment. The research orientation promulgated in the study of new drugs is a central theme in most oncolo gists' approach to the clinical problem of cancer. Therefore, we hope that this book will introduce readers to treatment research in clinical oncology. For the oncologist, the clinical evaluation of antitumor therapy is both part of the day-to-day management of specific patients and the critical considera tion of developing therapeutic alternatives. For physicians in other fields of medicine it is important to acquaint themselves with the basic tools of the oncologist. For people without medical training, including patients who might be interested in treatment research, many of the chapters may be overly technical."

The methodology of drug development has been the subject of extensive dis cussion by a relatively small group of individuals in industry and government who have been intimately concerned with the identification and study of new anticancer drugs. The Chemotherapy Program of the National Cancer In stitute has represented the major focus of initial efforts in drug development, as summarized in the historical perspective presented in chapter 1 and its references. It is no coincidence that the Chemotherapy Program was the origin of the Division of Cancer Treatment, a government entity that has had a pivotal role in the growth of clinical oncology. In an analogous fashion this book presents the methodology employed in the clinical study of anticancer drugs within the broad context of cancer treatment. The research orientation promulgated in the study of new drugs is a central theme in most oncolo gists' approach to the clinical problem of cancer. Therefore, we hope that this book will introduce readers to treatment research in clinical oncology. For the oncologist, the clinical evaluation of antitumor therapy is both part of the day-to-day management of specific patients and the critical considera tion of developing therapeutic alternatives. For physicians in other fields of medicine it is important to acquaint themselves with the basic tools of the oncologist. For people without medical training, including patients who might be interested in treatment research, many of the chapters may be overly technical.

Malignant lymphomas remain a fascinating research topic for clinicians as well as basic scientists. Rapidly increasing technical sophistication, ex panded knowledge and broader implications of new findings underline the need for a forum to integrate the latest developments in the multiple areas involved in the challenging study of lymphoid malignancies. This volume includes contributions of renowned experts and is based on a selection of papers presented at the Second International Conference on Malignant Lymphomas that was held in Lugano, Switzerland, in June 1984. Updated information is provided on various experimental fields including cell biolo gy, immunology, genetics and cell biochemistry. Particular attention has been given to special clinical entities such as the lymphomas associated with the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Recent advances in the treat of Hodgkin's disease, ncin-Hodgkin's lymphomas and childhood lym ment phomas are highlighted with emphasis on growing experience with new therapeutic approaches including monoclonal antibodies and bone marrow transplantation. The contents of the volume reflect and translate numerous avenues of exploration. While there might be some unavoidable overlap, most appear essentially complementary. The intent of the Program Committee of the Second International Conference on Malignant Lymphomas was to promote further interactions between all those who are devoting major efforts to elucidate the nature of these diseases or their optimal therapy. This volume will hopefully amplify this objective. The Editors wish to thank the contributors for delivering the manuscripts on schedule.