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

Abstract Introduction Docetaxel administered every 3-weeks is the standard 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. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis 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. Results 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 75 mg/m 2 once every 3 weeks and PSA Conclusion Administration of standard 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.