Recent studies indicate the significance of the hereditary predisposition in bronchogenic carcinoma occurrence. Beside epidemiologic, the paper presents referrential data indicating individual differences in genetically controlled sensitivity to carcinogenic activity from the exterior environment. The latest opinion on the possible role of AHH enzymes (aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase) in the occurrence of malignant tumors of the respiratory organs has been presented. The results of HLA system investigations in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma, cytogenetic studies and latest investigations of activated oncogens have been presented as well.