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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Arianayagam
Mohan
M
Department of Urology, Port Macquarie Base Hospital, and University of New South Wales, Australia. mohan76@optusnet.com.au
Chang
Jeff
J
Rashid
Prem
P
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D000077143:Docetaxel; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D043823:Taxoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel