Dear Friends and Colleagues, The Fourth Joint International Workshop falls on the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the DNA double helix by James Watson and Francis Crick. Since their discovery, new and extraordinary frontiers have been explored in every field of biomedical science as well as in all areas of cancer research. Moreover, the genetic revolution resulting from the decodification of the human genome is allowing us to identify even newer directions that basic and clinical cancer research will take in the near future. In keeping with the tradition of the past three years, this Workshop will apply a 'holistic approach' to provide a forum for exchanging ideas and views among pathologists and molecular and clinical oncologists about “Thyroid, Urinary Bladder and Prostate Tumors” and “Tumor Markers in Selected Human Tumors”. The Specific Scientific Sessions will be preceded by a “Keynote Addresses Section” including four lectures that will address the impact of research on human malignancies in the 21st century, and by a Round Table Discussion on “Perception Crisis in Clinical and Basic Cancer Research?: Necessity for a Paradigm Shift? “. Additionally, a Special Session will be dedicated to “The Laboratory of Advanced Biotechnology: The Role of the Technician.“ The Workshop will be held on the fascinating island of Ischia, where the magical beauty of the sky, the wonderful sea and the breathtakingly green gardens will certainly create the right atmosphere to renew the success of this yearly appointment. We look forward to meeting you in Ischia for another very promising edition of the Workshop. Bruno Agostini Antonio Giordano Oscar Nappi Pietro Micheli