In vitro methods for testing chemosensitivity and chemoresistance can contribute considerably to more individual chemotherapy of a given patient. Different tests which reflect with a different reliability and specificity the probable ineffectiveness of chemotherapy can be divided into several categories: 1. Indirect tests associated with general biological activity of the tumour. 2. Tests based on the specific relationship to a certain cytostatic. 3. Examination of hormonal receptors. 4. Direct tests based on testing of the sensitivity or resistance of a tumour to different cytostatics in primocultures or stabilized cultures. The submitted review presents information on different methods.

        Key words: Chemoresistance - Chemosensitivity - Clinical oncology