The efficacy and safety of docetaxel chemotherapy in the treatment of localised high-risk prostate cancer: a Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective The role of additional docetaxel chemotherapy in the treatment of localised high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) remains a controversy. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of additional docetaxel chemotherapy on localised high-risk PCa. Methods A computerized search was performed in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang Data to collect clinical controlled trails on localised high-risk PCa treated with docetaxel chemotherapy from the inception to April 2019. The Review Manager 5.3 software was used to perform meta-analysis of survival data and adverse events. Results Six literatures were enrolled, including 3 187 patients. Compared with the standard treatment (local treatment combined with endocrine therapy) group, the progression-free survival (PFS) was prolonged in the standard treatment plus docetaxel group, and the difference was statistically significant. [hazard ratio(HR)=0.75, 95%CI 0.65-0.86, P<0.01]. Patients in the standard treatment plus docetaxel group had longer overall survival (OS) and biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS) in comparison with standard treatment group, but the difference was not statistically significant (HR=0.843, 95%CI 0.68-1.01, P=0.06; HR=0.86, 95%CI 0.69-1.07, P=0.17). In terms of safety, the incidence of adverse reactions was increased in the standard treatment plus docetaxel group, including the incidence of grade ≥3 neutropenia (RR=44.14, 95%CI 19.15-101.71, P<0.01), the incidence of grade ≥3 febrile neutropenia (RR=13.4, 95%CI 7.93-22.65, P<0.01) and the incidence of grade ≥3 diarrhea (RR=13.43, 95%CI 3.21-56.16, P<0.01). Conclusions Additional docetaxel chemotherapy could significantly improve the PFS in localised high-risk PCa patients. OS and BRFS were prolonged, but the difference was not statistically significant. Key words: Prostatic neoplasms; High-risk; Docetaxel; Prognosis; Meta-analysis