title: Docetaxel plus prednisone in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer: an Italian clinical experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated the efficacy of docetaxel plus prednisone in Italian patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (mHRPC).
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty four patients with mHRPC received docetaxel 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks plus prednisone 5 mg twice daily for up to six cycles. The primary endpoint was efficacy measured by a reduction in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and measurable disease. Evaluation of toxicity, quality of life and reduction of pain were secondary endpoints.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PSA response was seen in 18 patients (75%). We observed a partial response in 2 patients (8.3%), stable disease in 10 patients (41.7%), and disease progression in 12 patients (50%). Severe neutropenia was reported in 12.5% of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment with docetaxel every three weeks is an effective and well tolerated therapeutic option in patients with mHRPC.
authors.affiliation: Oncology Department, Medical Oncology Unit, Policlinico Universitario, University of Palermo, Italy. giuseppecicero@unipa.it
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cicero
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Luca
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018450:Disease Progression; D000077143:Docetaxel; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen; D011241:Prednisone