Multiple primary malignancies. A statistical study based on autopsy data from 1943-1972.

Autopsy data from 1943 to 1972 has been analysed for the study of multiple primary malignancies (MPM). It is shown that association between different primaries takes place at random and that there are no favourable combinations. It is further concluded that tumors do not produce either immunity or enhanced susceptibility to any subsequent malignancies of the same or any other organ. The importance of such studies is pointed out.