Docetaxel + Abiraterone + Leuprolide Regimen
Dosing
– Docetaxel: 75 mg/m² IV over 1 hour every 3 weeks
– Abiraterone: 1000 mg orally once daily
– Prednisone: 5 mg orally twice daily (given with abiraterone)
– Leuprolide (Lupron Depot): 22.5 mg IM every 3 months
Administration
– Docetaxel: Administered on day 1 of each 21-day cycle
– Abiraterone and Prednisone: Administered continuously
– Leuprolide: Administered as an intramuscular injection every 3 months
Premedication for Docetaxel
– Dexamethasone: 8 mg orally twice daily for 3 days, starting 1 day before docetaxel infusion
Toxicity Profiles
Docetaxel
– Neutropenia (very common)
– Anemia
– Fatigue
– Nausea/vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Fluid retention
– Peripheral neuropathy
– Nail changes
– Alopecia
Abiraterone
– Fatigue
– Joint swelling/discomfort
– Edema
– Hot flashes
– Diarrhea
– Elevated liver enzymes
– Hypokalemia
– Hypertension
– Urinary tract infection
Leuprolide
– Hot flashes
– Decreased libido
– Erectile dysfunction
– Bone pain
– Injection site reactions
– Gynecomastia
– Fatigue
– Increased risk of cardiovascular events
– Osteoporosis
Monitoring
– Complete blood counts prior to each docetaxel cycle
– Liver function tests monthly
– Electrolytes, including potassium
– Blood pressure
– Testosterone levels to ensure castration levels are maintained
Dose Adjustments
– Docetaxel: Reduce dose for hematologic toxicities
– Abiraterone: Hold for Grade 3-4 hepatotoxicity until recovery
– Leuprolide: No specific dose adjustments, but monitor for cardiovascular and bone health
This regimen combines the cytotoxic effects of docetaxel with the androgen synthesis inhibition of abiraterone and the testosterone suppression of leuprolide. Close monitoring is required, especially for hematologic, hepatic, and cardiovascular toxicities. The steroid premedication helps reduce docetaxel-related adverse effects.