Metastatic prostate cancer remains an incurable disease. However, pall
iative treatment based on hormonal manipulation can effectively contro
l symptoms and prolong life. The development of progessive ''hormone-r
efractory disease'' requires a multidisciplinary approach, with the in
volvement of general practitioners, urologists, radiation oncologists,
medical oncologists and palliative care physicians. Some of the newer
therapies, such as chemotherapy, have proved successful in improving
the quality of life for many patients, and modern palliative care tech
niques can provide good symptom control.