[Problems of iatrogenic induction of multiple malignancies--review of a major postmortem material]

The multiple malignancies (MM) autoptically verified at our department within a period of 15 years were reviewed for evidence of a potential iatrogenic induction. Special emphasis was placed on the problems encountered in causally relating metachronic MM's with the treatment of the preceding malignancy and suitable criteria were developed. In 22 (5.6%) of the 392 MM's available for evaluation induction by previous radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy was thought to be likely; that is 40% of all radiological or chemical treated MM. In light of this relatively low number major objections to vitally indicated anticancer treatment appear to be unfounded. The high share of triple malignancies (34.5%) among the MM's presumably induced by treatment constituted a finding of particular interest.