Taxotere-based chemotherapy in androgen-independent prostate cancer

Objective: Taxotere-based chemotherapy is the only approach which has recently demonstrated prolongation of survival in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer. This article presents our experience with this therapy. Methods: Since August 1999 we treated 49 patients with Taxotere/Estramustine or Taxotere/Prednisone combinations. Results: Biochemical response occurred in 27 (55.1%) patients, unaffected by prior exposure to chemotherapy. Among the 32 patients with measurable disease, 7 (21/8%) patients demonstrated partial response and an additional 16 (50%) patients obtained stable disease. Half of the patients withdrew morphine palliative therapy. The median survival of all patients was 12.6 months, significantly longer in patients with biochemical response (14.3 vs 5.4 months) and no prior chemotherapy (14.3 vs 9.1 months). The disease recurred equally among osseous and soft tissue sites (18 sites each group). The most significant toxicity was neutropenia grade 3-4 in 26 (53%) patients. Infection, among them one fatal, developed in 18 (37.3%) patients. Conclusions: Taxotere-based chemotherapy is active and tolerated in androgen-independent prostate cancer. Heavily pretreated patients are sensitive to therapy. Progression occurred in bone and soft-tissue sites.