Multiple rechallenges (ReCs) with docetaxel (DOC) as an option after first-line therapy in patients (pts) with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
165 Background: Responder pts to first-line DOC, who have stopped the treatment in absence of progression, usually experience a disease progression within few months. In recent years, ReC with DOC has emerged as a therapeutic option for these pts, able to achieve again a response. The available data usually report on the clinical outcome of pts who have received one or two ReCs, but it is unclear whether more ReCs may be offered to these pts and if there is a maximum number of affordable ReCs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical record of the pts with CRPC treated in our Department with DOC from March, 2002 to September, 2010. We selected pts who received multiple ReCs until the appearance of a true resistance to DOC: we consider as DOC-resistant pts showing a clinical and/or biochemical progression during DOC treatment. Results: We have identified a consecutive series of 26 pts, who have received a median number of 2 ReCs (range 2- 6). The median age was 68 yrs (range 58-82 yrs). The ReC consisted of DOC q 3 wks in 7 cases, DOC + estramustine q 3 wks in 38, weekly DOC + estramustine in 23. Multiple ReCs were well tolerated with no more than grade 1 hematological and non-hematological toxicities. To date, 11 pts are still DOC-sensitive (after 2-6 ReCs, median 2) and are receiving ReCs or are in the off-therapy period after ReCs. After a median follow-up of 30 months, 14 pts are dead and 12 alive. The median survival is 40 mos and the projected 3-years overall survival is 54%. Conclusions: In our experience multiple DOC ReCs may be administered in DOC-sensitive pts with CRPC. This may provide a long-term disease control with remarkable survival rate compared to those of DOC pivotal studies (19 mos) and a second line treatment may be retarded until the appearance of a true DOC-resistance. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.