Primary renal adenocarcinoma tissue, metastatic deposits, and normal kidney parenchyma from 16 patients were assayed for sex hormone receptors by dextran‐coated charcoal adsorption and sucrose gradient centrifugation techniques. Dihydrotestosterone receptors (DHTR) were found in all renal carcinomatous tissue (20/20) and in 93% (13/14) autologous normal kidneys analyzed. Testosterone receptors were found in 84% (16/19) of tumors and 93% (14/15) or normal kidneys analyzed. Estrogen receptors in small amounts (ER) were detected in only 5% (1/19) of tumors and in 7% (1/15) of normal kidneys. Progesterone receptors (PR) in low quantities were detected in 30% (6/20) of renal tumors and in 40% (6/15) of normal kidneys. DHTR levels in high‐stage tumors (T3, T4) were significantly elevated over levels in autologous normal kidney, whereas in low‐stage tumors localized to the kidney (T1 and T2 tumors) DHTR levels were not significantly different from autologous normal kidney. The mean levels of DHTR in high‐stage kidney tumors were significantly elevated over levels in low‐stage tumors (P < 0.001). DHTR estimation in renal neoplasms may help in biologic staging of renal adenocarcinoma and could define a group of patients in whom anti‐androgen therapy may be worth a trial.