Encore: Chemotherapy with Taxotere - early or late?

[Admin]

Jim Marshall (not a doctor) said ...

For some men the decision of when to start chemotherapy is clear. The doctor sees that symptoms are rapidly worsening (perhaps pain, a growing number of metastases on scans, or problems developing in other organs like the kidneys). Chemo immediately is clearly indicated.

 

But for some men who are no longer responding to any hormone therapy, the situation is not as clear.

 

On the one hand, the side effects of chemotherapy with Taxotere (docetaxel) can be quite unpleasant for some men.

 

On the other hand, leaving chemotherapy too late can leave the man unfit to have subsequent treatments. Zytiga (abiraterone), for instance, is only available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to men who are well enough. 

 

This encore is to direct you to two articles we have previously published by well known oncologists. Be aware that the articles may be two or more years old, and your oncologist may have better up-to-date information.

 

But these articles will give you an idea of what you and your doctor may have to think about.

... end Jim

 

 

 

After hormone therapy - chemotherapy early or late? Video by Dr Gerald Chodak

http://forums.jimjimjimjim.com/index.php?/topic/369-after-hormone-therapy-chemotherapy-early-or-late-video-by-dr-gerald-chodak/

 

Ask Dr. Snuffy Myers video: Taxotere early rather than late

http://forums.jimjimjimjim.com/index.php?/topic/260-ask-dr-snuffy-myers-video-taxotere-early-rather-than-late/