Docetaxel plus prednisone in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer: an Italian clinical experience

We investigated the efficacy of docetaxel plus prednisone in Italian patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (mHRPC).

Twenty four patients with mHRPC received docetaxel 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks plus prednisone 5 mg twice daily for up to six cycles. The primary endpoint was efficacy measured by a reduction in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and measurable disease. Evaluation of toxicity, quality of life and reduction of pain were secondary endpoints.

PSA response was seen in 18 patients (75%). We observed a partial response in 2 patients (8.3%), stable disease in 10 patients (41.7%), and disease progression in 12 patients (50%). Severe neutropenia was reported in 12.5% of patients.

Treatment with docetaxel every three weeks is an effective and well tolerated therapeutic option in patients with mHRPC.