[Current opinions on the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer]

Prostate cancer is a most common malignant neoplasm in males. In recent years, its incidence has been rising dramatically in China. Patients with recurrent prostate cancer may be treated with androgen deprivation strategies, but most cases will eventually develop into androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Until recently, chemotherapy has been shown to be effective in palliating the symptoms of the disease but not in improving survival. Current strategies for the treatment of AIPC have shown significant palliation, but no definitive increase in survival. Molecular mechanisms underlying the development of androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) are poorly understood. However, there is growing evidence that different molecular profiles may result in the development of AIPC. In this paper, we not only review the molecular mechanism of AIPC, but also present some of the promising management principles and systemic chemotherapy options against AIPC.