6 Docetaxel Treatments vs. 10 Docetaxel Treatments?

[VLBIV]

I have been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. After 6 Docetaxel treatments, my PSA has dropped from the high 40s to 1.8. I am also on Lupron. My recent pet scan showed one of my lymph node "spots" had reduced by approximately 2/3 (11mm to 4mm). Another lymph node "spot" had shrunk by approximately half (14x10mm to 7x5mm). One iliac lesion has resolved and another had increased in density, but not in size (2.1cm). Based on these findings, my oncologist has recommended 4 additional Docetaxel treatments (from 6 to 10 total treatments) while coninuing the Lupron. I understand that there are some studies pointing to the benefits of 10 treatments vs. 6 treatments. How you do experienced "warriors" feel about 4 more chemo treatments? I have mixed emotions, but I have endured the 6 treatments well (no major side effects), which is one reason my oncologist has recommended 4 more. Do you all agree with his recommendation? Thank you very much for weighing in on this!

[EdBacon]

As far as know, it has been proven that there is no benefit above 10 cycles, but there could be a benefit between 6 and 10. I did 6 cycles and I think if I had been offer 4 more, I might have taken them. It sounds like you are handling them well so in your situation, I'd probably do it.

Just remember, you don't have to commit to 4 more, only one more. Then you decide again whether you want to continue or stop.

[VLBIV in reply to EdBacon]

Great feedback. Thank you!

[spouse21]

You can read my husband's history. At age 76, per his MO's advice, he underwent 10 Docetaxel infusions at a slightly reduced dosage. His numbers and scans have been stable since he finished chemo two years ago. Yes, it was a drag to face nearly four months' more chemo, but he's gotten decent mileage out of it. His situation is different in that he received late chemo after being heavily treated with radiation, Lupron, Zytiga (failed) whereas you've gotten chemo right after diagnosis. , That means you're probably in better shape for additional chemo since you're getting it earlier than my husband did.

[VLBIV in reply to spouse21]

Thank you for the information!

[AlvinSD]

Initially, my MO was suggesting 8 but decided to stop at 6. (Based on the protocol used in the ARASENS trial.). If he had wanted me to push for 8, I could have done it. However, I was relieved as after six the fatigue has gotten much worse. Also, I can’t have radiation until I’ve recovered from chemo and I really wanted to get going on my next phase of treatments.

[VLBIV in reply to AlvinSD]

Interesting. I am trying to resist radiation at this point until I see what the full 10 Docetaxel treatments provide. Whether that's wise or not, I am not sure. Thank you for the feedback!

[Catfish21]

I got 10 infusions, and side effects were ~ the same as after 6 ones. If your PSA gradually decreased after each infusion, I would choose 10. In my case, PSA decreased from 2.4 (6 infusions) to 0.9 (10 ones). Bone scan revealed sclerotic mets in the bones.

[VLBIV in reply to Catfish21]

Interesting. I am hoping for exactly the same results. My oncologist basically said the same thing. If chemo continues to work and the cancer has not disappeared and you are tolerating the chemo well, why not keep going? Thank you for the feedback!