B. Regimen A delivers a dose intensity that averages 2000 mg a month. Regimen B delivers a dose intensity that averages 4000 mg a month. The latter regimen is associated with far less toxicity due to the lower but more frequent drug doses. The efficacies of these regimens have not been reported in a randomized trial. Low weekly doses of Taxotere are, in our experience, without question a more patient and friendly regimen compared to the standard, higher dose Taxotere protocol.
Most chemotherapy agents kill cancer cells that are actively multiplying.
PC cells generally grow slowly, which mandates that they receive a longer exposure time to the chemotherapy or other anticancer agent. Such protracted infusion delivery increases exposure time while decreasing the toxicity of chemotherapy. Drugs such as Cytoxan and Adriamycin have a much lower toxicity profile and a higher therapeutic index when given in this manner. We currently have a protocol in progress that employs Cytoxan, an active agent in PC, given as a continuous infusion over 120 hours. This is given in conjunction with another agent, 5-Fluorouracil, during the same period of time.