Determine of the optimal number of cycles of?docetaxel in the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

摘要

To determine the optimal number of cycles of docetaxel for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, we retrospectively collected 73 patients receiving varying numbers of docetaxel plus prednisolone and analyzed the clinical outcomes including overall survival, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response, and adverse events. The study included 33 patients receiving ≤ 10 cycles of docetaxel and 40 patients receiving 10 cycles. Patients receiving 10 cycles were younger than those who received ≤ 10 cycles. There was no statistical significant difference in overall survival between the two groups (log-rank test, p ?=?0.75). Adverse effects were more common among patients receiving ≥ 10 cycles of treatment. A PSA flare-up was observed among six patients (8.2%); the median duration of the PSA surge was 3?weeks (range, 3–12?weeks). The overall survival rates in patients with PSA flare-up were comparable with the patients having PSA response. We concluded that at least four cycles of docetaxel should be administered in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients in order not to cease treatment prematurely from potentially beneficial chemotherapy. However, administering 10 cycles does not result in any further improvement in survival and is associated with more adverse effects.