Docetaxel based chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with castration resistant prostate cancer

Docetaxel administered every 3- weeks is the standart treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) but it is associated with dose limiting toxicities. We analyzed the efficacy and tolerability of 3- weekly and weekly docetaxel in a Turkish cohort of CRPC patients with a special emphasis on the elderly patients.

A retrospective analyses of 45 patients who received either 3- weekly or weekly docetaxel in a single urologic oncology clinic was performed. Response to therapy, toxicity and overall survival rates were evaluated.

The mean age of patients was 70.0 (±8.8) years. Complete or partial PSA response was obtained in 45% of patients. The median overall survival was 20,0 months (SE 6.46; 95% CI 7,3-32,6). Absence of metastasis, time to CRPC>10 months, DP 75mg/m2 once every three weeks and PSA<50% at the end of the third cycle were associated with better overall survival. There was no significant survival difference between the patients aged 75 or older versus younger ones. The most common hematological toxicity was leukopenia which was dose limiting in only one patient.

Administration of standart 3-weekly docetaxel is well tolerated in this relatively old cohort of Turkish CRPC patients and weekly administration can be a reasonable alternative in frail patients not only to prolong survival but also to palliate disease symptoms.