Intermittent Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Beer T M, Garzotto M, Henner W D, Eilers K M, Wersinger E M
Primary Institution: Oregon Health & Science University
Hypothesis
Can intermittent chemotherapy reduce treatment-associated toxicity in metastatic androgen-independent prostate cancer?
Conclusion
Intermittent chemotherapy is feasible and may reduce chronic toxicity in patients with metastatic androgen-independent prostate cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 30% of patients reached a PSA of 4 ng/ml or lower.
- Quality of life improved in terms of fatigue after treatment holidays.
- Median duration of treatment holiday was 20 weeks.
Takeaway
This study looked at giving chemotherapy in breaks instead of all the time to help patients feel better and have less side effects.
Methodology
Patients received calcitriol and docetaxel in an intermittent schedule, monitored for PSA response and quality of life.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the non-randomized nature of the study.
Limitations
Small sample size and lack of a control group limit the findings.
Participant Demographics
Men with chemotherapy-naïve, metastatic androgen-independent prostate cancer, median age 73.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p=0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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