Patient-clinician choice in palliation of metastatic prostate cancer

Palliation of patients with metastatic prostate cancer is based primarily on offering a form of androgen ablation. Each therapeutic modality has advantages and disadvantages. The decision with regards to the chosen option relies on thorough and open discussion between the treating urologist and the patient. Quality of life issues are increasingly an integral part of the treatment choice opted for. Thus, quality of life questionnaires should be incorporated into future clinical trial assessments and end-points.