Review: Cooperative group trials — Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) innovations in advanced prostate cancer

The major goals of the Southwest oncology genitourinary (SWOG-GU) committee in the area of advanced prostate cancer are to improve the survival and quality of life (QOL) of patients with advanced prostate cancer. SWOG trials have examined the role of combined androgen blockade, intermittent androgen deprivation, and the early application of chemotherapy in castration-naïve disease. In addition, they have contributed to advancing the current chemotherapy standard of docetaxel plus prednisone, and ongoing trials seek to improve upon that standard. Finally, surrogate endpoints have been identified and markers of treatment response or resistance with novel technology are under active investigation. This review highlights findings from recent SWOG clinical trials for advanced prostate cancer, emphasizing the clinical impact and future applications of the data.