Docetaxel in the treatment of hormone-resistant prostate cancer

Abstract

Docetaxel is the most effective chemical agent used in the treatment of hormone-resistant prostate cancer (HRPC). Three different docetaxel-based combinations were tested. The study included 30 patients with HRPC: 10 patients received chemotherapy as intravenous docetaxel, 75 mg/m² once every 21 days with prednisolone, 10 mg/day (DP); other 10 patients had docetaxel, 75 mg/m², estramustin, 300 mg/m² daily, and prednisolone, 10 mg daily (DEP); 10 more patients received a combination of doxorubicin, 20 mg/m² on day 1 of weeks 1, 3, and 5, ketoconazole, 1200 mg/day on days 1—7 of weeks 1, 3, and 5, docetaxel, 20 mg/m² on day 1 of weeks 2, 4, and 6, estramustin, 420 mg/day on days 1—7 of weeks 2, 4, and 6, prednisolone, 10 mg daily (DEKP). The study revealed that all these three combinations have about the same efficacy; with their use, the clinical improvement rate was 70—80%. Thus, the use of docetaxel in different combinations is an effective treatment for HRPC.