Total hip arthroplasty was performed with PMMA-augmented tumor prostheses in 42 individuals suffering from metastatic destruction of the proximal end of the femur at the Orthopedic University Hospital Mainz from 1980 to 1992. Neoplastic lesions had been triggered by carcinomas of the breast in 25 female patients. 24 of our patients presented with pathologic fractures. In all patients capable of walking preoperatively early mobilization could be attained by total hip arthroplasty. Pain relief was achieved in each patient. Resection of the major trochanter and, partially, of the pelvitrochanteric muscle sleeve entailed luxation of the prosthesis six times in 5 individuals during the first postoperative two months; closed reduction was practicable in all of them. Postoperative survival time amounted to an average of 10.5 months. Leg length and hip function were successfully re-established by implanting tumor prostheses after resection of the proximal part of the femur.