Appropriate Number of Docetaxel Cycles in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients Considering Peripheral Neuropathy and Oncological Control

Abstract

Background: The number of cycles of docetaxel required for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is unclear. This study estimated peripheral neuropathy (PN) incidence and the optimal number of treatment cycles in patients receiving docetaxel for CRPC. Patients and Methods: The study retrospectively reviewed 82 patients receiving docetaxel for CRPC at an institution between January 2005 and January 2017. Docetaxel (70 or 75 mg/m²) was administered every 3 weeks, and prednisone 5 mg or dexamethasone 0.5 mg was administered twice a day. Results: PN (grade ≥2) was noted in 32 (39.0%) patients. The median cumulative dose of docetaxel associated with PN was 675 mg/m². No factor significantly predicted the occurrence of PN. The prostate-specific antigen progression rate, prostate cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were significantly better with ≥8 cycles of docetaxel than with p < 0.05). Conclusion: The incidence of PN is high, and 8 treatment cycles are optimal for patients receiving docetaxel for CRPC.