Docetaxel plus prednisone in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer: an italian clinical axperience

Aims and Background: We investigated the efficacy of docetaxel plus prednisone in Italian patients with metastatic hormone- refractory prostate cancer (mHRPC). Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: Treatment with docetaxel every three weeks is an effective and well tolerated therapeutic option in patients with mHRPC.