Treatment options for androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Patients with recurrent prostate cancer may be treated with androgen deprivation strategies, but most patients will develop androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Current strategies for treatment of patients who develop AIPC have shown significant palliation, but no definitive increase in survival to date. The results of large chemotherapy trials with survival endpoints are expected soon. In addition, several novel drugs have proceeded through preclinical testing into early clinical trials. These drugs-either alone or in combination-are designed to target strategic pathways to improve survival and quality of life in patients. This article summarizes standard treatment options and promising new drugs and combination therapies under investigation for AIPC.