Open Access

REVIEW

Immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer

Bob Djavan¹, Kathleen Nelson², Amir Kazzazi¹, Aron Bruhn¹, Helen Sadri¹, Alejandro Gomez-Pinillos³, Anna C. Ferrari³

1 Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, NYU, New York, USA
2 Medical Director, Vox Medica, New York, USA
3 NYU Cancer Institute, New York University School of Medicine, NYU, New York, USA
Address correspondence to Dr. Bob Djavan, Professor and Director, New York University Hospital, 150 East 32^nd Street, New York, NY 10016 USA

Canadian Journal of Urology 2011, 18(5), 5865-5874.

Abstract

Prostate cancer is a complex disease, and treatment selection is informed by numerous variables depending on the stage of disease. Moreover, patient expectations and the impact of treatment-related adverse events may infl uence treatment choices. Available treatment options over the course of the disease have included surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. This complexity requires an understanding of a wide range of treatment options and the support of a multidisciplinary team that involves urologists, radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and medical oncologists. Collaboration among these physicians allows for a comprehensive treatment strategy that addresses the individual needs of the patient throughout the course of his disease. Prior to 2004, treatment options for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) were limited to therapies for palliation of pain and reduction of skeletal-related events. Over the past 7 years, four therapeutic options—three within the last 2 years—that provide a survival benefi t in this setting have been approved. These therapies have diverse mechanisms, perhaps reflecting the complex nature of advanced prostate cancer. Among them is sipuleucel-T, the fi rst autologous immunotherapy approved for any cancer. This review will discuss the rapidly changing treatment environment for metastatic CRPC and the increased exploration of immunotherapeutic approaches to advanced prostate cancer.

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Keywords

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