Optimizing the use of docetaxel in men with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer

In 2009, castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer continues to account for more deaths in US men than any other cancer apart from lung cancer. Although novel targeted molecular, hormonal and immunologic agents are accelerating in their development in this disease, docetaxel and prednisone remain the standard palliative regimen for the majority of men who have progressed despite hormonal therapies. Thus, understanding the practical and often subtle issues of docetaxel initiation, duration of therapy, cessation of therapy and treatment holidays is critical for the informed use of this US Food and Drug Administration-approved regimen. In this review we address these topics in light of prognostic and predictive factors to help guide the rational use of docetaxel chemotherapy in men with this aggressive disease.