Adrenal tumors represent one of the most fascinating fields of contemporary endocrine research. Due to the advances in imaging techniques, the incidence of incidentally discovered adrenal masses (incidentalomas) is steadily increasing. Most of these incidentalomas are benign, hormonally inactive tumors of adrenocortical origin. Hormone-secreting adrenocortical adenomas may lead to severe diseases with significant morbidity and mortality including hypercortisolism (Cushing?s syndrome) or primary aldosteronism. Despite being a rare tumor, adrenocortical cancer is a clinically relevant disease, since its prognosis is very poor in advanced stages. Adrenomedullary tumors, pheochromocytomas are responsible for an important and potentially curable cause of secondary hypertension. Pheochromocytomas are unique among tumors, since 25-30 % of sporadically discovered pheochromocytomas are associated with hereditary tumor syndromes.

There are intensive research efforts ongoing in the study of pathogenesis, diagnostics and novel treatment modalities of both adrenocortical and adrenomedullary tumors. The European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENS@T) is an international research network whose primary aim is to promote research in this field. ENS@T has launched several research projects, and some of these have already resulted in significant advances in our understanding and management of adrenal tumors.

Annual scientific meetings of ENS@T provide a unique forum for presenting the most recent achievements of scientific groups focusing on adrenal tumors from both basic and clinical aspects. Interactive discussions and debates of relevant research topics promote the investigation of this clinically relevant field and these might lead to better patient management and care in the future.

It is a unique opportunity for Budapest, Hungary to host the meeting in 2013, and we hope that the meeting will be successful. We welcome your support in promoting the meeting.

Dr. Peter Igaz MD MSc PhD