Abstract
AbstractBackground: Hormone‐refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) is associated with a poor prognosis and has historically been considered relatively chemoresistant. Emerging data demonstrate clinical benefit with the use of docetaxel in HRPC, culminating in two recent published phase III studies demonstrating survival benefit. Currently, docetaxel is registered but not reimbursed for HRPC in Australia.Aim: To retrospectively review prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) response rate, and survival following the use of docetaxel for metastatic HRPC.Methods: Retrospective audit of the use of docetaxel for HRPC from 1 January 2001 to 1 April 2004 in three medical oncology practices. Demographic data, baseline PSA, ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) Performance Status, sites of disease, number of cycles received and PSA response rates were collected.Results: Thirty five patients (median age, 71 years; range, 50–88) had an ECOG status of 0 (eight), 1 (20) and 2 (seven). The mean duration from initial prostate cancer diagnosis to start of docetaxel was 5.4 years (range, 0.2–13.5 years). The mean baseline PSA doubling time, available for 29/35 patients, was 1.9 months (range, 0.4–4.9). The median number of metastatic sites was 1 (range, 1–4): bone (34 patients), lymph nodes (10), liver (seven) and lung (seven). Twelve patients were chemotherapy naive; 23 had received prior chemotherapy (21/23 received mitoxantrone). Twenty patients received docetaxel three times weekly; 15 were on weekly schedules. Their mean dose density was 23 mg/m2/week. Patients received an average of 3.2 months of treatment (range, 0.2–11.8). There were 170 recorded toxicities, 13 of which were grade 3–4, and two likely treatment‐related deaths (sepsis). Twelve patients (34%) had >50% PSA response (four were chemotherapy naive); of these 12 responders, seven patients had a >75% PSA response (four chemotherapy naive). Median survival from start of docetaxel was 8 months with 37% alive at 12 months and 23% alive at 24 months.Conclusion: Docetaxel is active in HRPC (in both chemotherapy naive and exposed patients) with a predictable toxicity profile. More research is warranted to identify predictors of response and toxicity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.