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Chemotherapy agents and timing of chemotherapy in prostate cancer management

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Abstract

In 2005, it is estimated that more than 30,000 men will die from metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer. For decades, no chemotherapeutic agent demonstrated a survival benefit in these patients, although two randomized clinical trials demonstrated a clear palliative benefit using mitoxantrone combined with a corticosteroid. However, beginning in 1999, a series of phase-2 trials were performed using docetaxel, either as a single agent or in combination with estramustine. Preliminary data implied a survival improvement, with median survivals reported to be 14 to 23 months. Prostate-specific antigen levels dropped by more than 50% in 38% to 48% of patients treated with docetaxel. These findings were confirmed in two phase-3 randomized trials in which docetaxel with and without estramustine have demonstrated a survival benefit using chemotherapy in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 10032, New York, NY, USA

    Daniel P. Petrylak MD

Authors
  1. Kathleen M. Donohue MD
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  2. Daniel P. Petrylak MD
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Donohue, K.M., Petrylak, D.P. Chemotherapy agents and timing of chemotherapy in prostate cancer management. Curr Urol Rep 6, 224–227 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-005-0011-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-005-0011-8

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