title: Counterpoint: Men should be treated for hormone refractory prostate cancer with systemic chemotherapy when they are symptomatic, and not before.
abstract: The benefits of chemotherapy in men with symptomatic HRPC include pain relief, better physical functioning and improved quality of life. These have been well established in randomized trials. A meaningful or statistically significant improvement in survival has yet to be demonstrated. In the absence of a survival benefit, there is concern that treating men when they are free of symptoms may have a negative impact upon quality of life due to drug related toxicity. It will also limit or eliminate any therapeutic options when symptoms eventually develop and therapy is needed most.
authors.affiliation: Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Malcolm J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Moore
mesh_terms: D006728:Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D017211:Treatment Failure
chemical_list: D006728:Hormones