The purpose of this book, which is written mainly for pharmacothera pists, is to draw the physician's attentions, through specific examples, to iatrogenic (i.e., diagnostically or therapeutically induced) carcino genesis. The book is not intended, however, to arouse public concern. It has been known for some time that each therapeutic measure has a risk-benefit ratio, the estimation of which requires an understanding of carcinogenic side-effects. The number of iatrogenic tumors published so far is not large; however, we assume that there are a number of cases that have not been registered. In the past it was not generally recognized that medical treatment might involve carcinogenic risks; moreover, various therapeutic measures are often used simultaneously so that it may be difficult to trace the cause of tumor formation to a specific agent. Animal experiments and clinical observations during the past few years have contributed to our knowledge of the possible hazards of drugs. We have compiled the most important literature on the subject without, however, attempting completion. The present book may help the pharmacotherapist balance the benefit of a drug against its potential risk, and is thus consistent with the medical principle of nil nocere. We thank Mrs. M. Gomille (Institut fur Toxikologie und Chemothera pie, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg) for her help in the preparation of the manuscript.

Examples of Iatrogenic Carcinogenesis in the Field of Internal Medicine and its Marginal Areas

Arsenic
Chloramphenicol
Cytostatics
Organ Transplantation
Iron-Dextran Complex
Hydantoin Derivatives
Phenacetin
Phenylbutazone
Diethylstilbestrol
Tar-Containing Ointmens
Examples of Iatrogenic Carcinogenesis in the Field of Surgery and its Marginal Areas
Foreign-Body and Scar Sarcomas
Skin Tumors at the Site of Smallpox Vaccination Scars
Primary Carcinoma of the Operated Stomach
The Stewart-Treves Syndrome
Tumors of the Colon Following Ureterosigmoidostomy
Isonicotinic Acid Hydrazide (INH)
Griseofulvin
Tannin
Thiouracil
Glucocorticoids
Poliomyelitis Vaccine
Cyclamate
Ovulation Inhibitors
Androgenic and Anabolic Steroids
Rauwolfia Derivatives
Spironolactones
Triazene Derivatives and Nitrosoureas
Streptozotocin
Hexamethylenetetramine
Herbae artemesiae absinthii
Pronethalol, Metronidazole, Niridazole
Nitrofurane Derivatives
Cantharidin and Asiaticosides
Lysergide
Drugs as Precursors of Nitrosamines
Inhalation anesthetics
Discussion.