The geography of prostate cancer and its treatment in Europe

The search for more efficient treatments for prostate cancer continues. In localized prostate cancer, the combination of neo-adjuvant or adjuvant hormone therapy with surgery may improve curability rates. In the palliation of advanced prostate cancer, novel concepts of varying forms of maximal androgen blockade, including the re-introduction of safer forms of oestrogen therapy, should be capable of lengthening the time to progression and improving the quality of life of patients with advanced disease. The chemotherapy of prostate cancer remains experimental, but its earlier introduction may enable better dosing schedules to further limit advanced disease.