Hormonal and chemotherapeutic options in advanced prostate cancer

Abstract

As the population ages and the incidence of prostate cancer increases, it is important for the clinician to understand the management of advanced prostate cancer. Traditionally, advanced prostate cancer has been considered a chemorefractory disease and has been treated with hormonal therapy. However, newer agents have demonstrated activity in prostate cancer and this article discusses some of these agents. Androgen deprivation still remains the mainstay of treatment for advanced prostate cancer. There are many ways to achieve castrate states and the different methods are reviewed here. Although androgen deprivation can prolong survival, it carries a number of undesirable side effects. The recognition of these side effects and their management is also described here. Upon reading this article, the clinician will be familiar with the main concepts of treating advanced prostate cancer.