[Current aspects of tumor immunology].

The aetiology of carcinomas is not yet clear and the existence of tumour-specific antigens is not undoubtedly demonstrated but it is certain that the tumours are in near correlation with immunological mechanisms. It is established that certain immunophenomena exist in patients with malignomas. The tumour-associated antigens have a practical importance as tumour markers especially for the course of the disease and the recognizing of recidivation of certain carcinomas. The successes of immunotherapy of malignant tumours are not satisfactory. Better results will be expected by the use of monoclonal antibodies.