In 1989, the First International Symposium on Cytokines in Hemopoiesis, Oncology, and AIDS was held in Hanover, FRG. Since then there has been an explosion of knowledge in this field. New cytokines have been discovered, on which data are presented in this book, and receptors have already been cloned for many cytokines. In clinical application, some cytokines such as TNF have almost completely left the stage, but this may not be for ever. Enormous progress has been made in the field of hemopoietic growth factors, for which clinical studies from phase I to phase III have been conducted, and some of which have even been registered for routine use. In spite of this rapid development our knowledge of how to clinically exploit the effects of cytokines is very limited and lies far behind the advances made in basic research. Even for the hemopoietic growth factors, questions regarding the effect of adjuvant therapy on survival and or on general outcome in chemother apy have still not been answered. Discussion and exchange between those involved in basic science and clinical research is still urgently needed. We hope to successfully contribute to this process by continuing the series proceedings of the International Symposia on Cytokines in Hemopoiesis, Oncology, and AIDS. Hannover, in July 1992 Mathias Freund Hartmut Link Reinhold E. Schmidt Karl Welte List of Contributors Abbadessa, V. Istituto die Clinica Medica III, Centro Interdipartimenta de Ii Ricerche in Oncologia Clinica, 90100 Palermo, Italy Abecassis, M."

The clinical and experimental effects of cytokines have been realized for a long time. The clinical effects of tumor necrosis factor were noted almost 100 years ago. The basic biological effects of interferons and the hemopoietic growth factors have been known for more than 20 years. Given the basis of modern molecular biotechniques, information concern ing the mediators of cellular interactions is expanding almost exponentially. New principles in the regulation of cell growth, microenvironment, immune response, and malignancy are being discoverd right now. New therapeutic options are becoming available and have, in some areas, already crossed the threshold of clinical application. However, the way forward might be more complicated than we are in a position to recognize today. Some of the first optimistic expectations have not yet been fulfilled. Nevertheless, we are experiencing a revolution in medicine. To contribute to this process and to stimulate scientific communi in this field, we have initiated the international symposia on cytokines cation in hemopoiesis, oncology and aids. Major contributions from the first sym posium are published in this book. We thank all the authors for their contri butions, particularly those from the Hannover Medical School, who have worked hard to realize the congress and prepare these proceedings. We also thank the pharmaceutical companies whose support made this book possible. Finally we thank Professors Deicher, Poliwoda, and Riehm, heads of the Departments of Hematology and Oncology, Immunology, and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, respectively, who encouraged us and gave us their firm support."