The growth and function of many tissues are influenced by hormones. Therefore it is quite understandable that hormones play a role in the development and treatment of malignant tumors. Numerous publications address this topic; however, the results of many studies are controversial and have not been unequivocally accepted. For nearly 50 years the carcinogenic effect of steroid hormones has been under debate, and their therapeutic value a matter of discussion for equally as long. The present volume concentrates on substantiated data first obtained from the study of tumors developing from hormone regulated or hormone-producing tissue, e.g., the thyroid, adrenal glands, prostate, and the female genital tract. Through a joint approach from the field of molecular biology, biochemistry, and histopathology, advances in the management of these tumors have been elaborated. Another exciting example is the endo nuclear diagnosis of adrenal tumors. Antihormones, i.e. antian drogens or GnRH analogues have proved to be important indeed since they exhibit a destructive effect on prostate carcinomas and breast cancer. Further improvements can be expected in the localization of hormones in tumor tissue by specific antibodies. A special chapter is dedicated to the diffuse endocrine cell system (DECS), the clinical significance of which has mainly become obvious in the gastroenteropancreatic tract.

Malignancies originating from the urogenital tract account for about 20% of all solid neoplasias. The various tumor types, including carcinoma of the prostate, transitional cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and testicular germ cell tumors, differ widely in terms of biological features, in cidence and appearance, diagnostic work-up and manage ment. It is not surprising that this complexity of urologic oncology with its related problems has increasingly attracted both experimental investigators and clinical experts. Only time will tell whether the achievements that today are con sidered* as progress will turn out to be significant contribu tions towards the ultimate goal: the cure of the patients' life-threatening diseases with little or no side effects. How ever, many innovations and improvements have already taken place in the field of urologic oncology within recent years. The high pace of innovative development requires continuous, thorough, and critical updating of our kowledge so that persisting deficits can be defined: the basic require ment for posing new scientific questions. The following examples may serve to illustrate the recent developments and the resulting new problems and questions: Recently, it has become evident that carcinoma of the prostate must be detected earlier to enable us to cure more of the affected patients in the future than currently.

Dieser Band enthalt die Vortrage anlasslich der 38. Tagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft fur Urologie in Wurzburg. Die Hauptthemen behandeln die Lymphknotenchirugie bei urologischen Tumoren und das Prostatakarzinom sowie Fragen der Nierentransplantation."