Abstract
Although androgen withdrawal can control prostate cancer for long periods in many patients, controversy exists regarding management when the tumor becomes androgen independent. Several options are now available. A review of the pertinent literature of the last 20 years was conducted to provide guidance in defining and managing hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Stage D prostate cancer can be subclassified to correlate tumor biology with disease stage. Secondary hormone manipulations may induce responses in patients after failure of initial androgen suppression, and chemotherapy with docetaxel has prolonged survival in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC). The weight of evidence supports the maintenance of castrate levels of testosterone in metastatic AIPC. Bisphosphonates decrease skeletal complications. Secondary hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and bisphosphonate therapy may provide benefits for selected patients. Correlation of disease stage with biologic characteristics of the tumor and host facilitates proper choices of interventions. Docetaxel-based chemotherapy regimens should be considered for first-line treatment of patients with progressive metastatic AIPC.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
