Abstract
4′,4′′‐Diethylstilbestrol quinone, an intermediate in diethylstilbestrol metabolism, had previously been postulated to play a role in diethylstilbestrol‐induced carcinogenesis. Possible mechanisms by which 4′,4′′‐diethylstilbestrol quinone may participate in the induction of tumors by diethylstilbestrol are discussed. The possibilities of a direct modification of cellular macromolecules by the quinone intermediate and also an indirect involvement via generation of radicals are explored.