from the tissue culture dish to genetically modified mice, this volume explores the long recognized role of steroid hormones in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. many striking effects of steroid hormones are apparent during development and neoplasia and these topics are covered extensively. several chapters address the pharmacological uses of steroid and related hormones, their analogs and antagonists in controlling growth of endocrine cancers. this book also highlights the complex role of cross talk between steroid hormones and signals initiated at the cell surface in the regulation of cell cycle in hormone responsive tissues.