Open Access

ARTICLE

COUNTERPOINT: Men should be treated for hormone refractory prostate cancer with systemic chemotherapy when they are symptomatic, and not before

Malcolm J. Moore

Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Address correspondence to Malcolm J. Moore, MD, Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9 Canada

Canadian Journal of Urology 2003, 10(6), 2038-2039.

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.

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