We surveyed clinical trials of anti-tumour drugs notified to the Norwegian Medicines Control Authority during the period 1982 to 1986. 91 trials of anti-tumour drugs were notified during the period. A relatively large number of the trials were carried out without a control group, and a statistical rationale for the number of patients was lacking in almost 60% of the protocols. In 40% of the notified trials the manufacturers were not involved. Records of written information to patients have improved, as has insurance of the patients. On the other hand, reports on ongoing and completed clinical trials are still too often neglected.