Abstract
The various ways in which the central nervous system can become affected in the course of malignant systemic disease are discussed, with particular emphasis on iatrogenic damage. Examples of presumably iatrogenic damage are presented. It is suggested that minor alterations may be much more frequent than is assumed at present. The need for systematic investigation is stressed — with a view on assessing the frequency of such damage and on unravelling the aetiology and pathogenesis of the lesions.