Chemotherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer--is there a role?

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men. Traditional therapies are effective except in patients who progress to hormone refractory disease. Historically, chemotherapy has had a limited role in the treatment of prostate cancer. However, new agents are showing promise in patients with advanced disease.

Objective: This article reviews and presents current evidence on the use of chemotherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer and attempts to aid general practitioners in their role in the multidisciplinary environment of current cancer care.

Discussion: Analysis of the literature suggests there is no clear role for chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting. Chemotherapy may provide a short survival benefit in men with androgen independent prostate cancer but more importantly, can improve quality of life, and reduce pain and prostate specific antigen thus providing effective palliation.