Metastatic prostate cancer has a significantly worse prognosis compared to localized or locally advanced disease. The first choice in most patients is androgen deprivation therapy, i.e. castration.
The effect of docetaxel chemotherapy and novel hormonal agents (abiraterone, enzalutamide) was first demonstrated in the stage of castration resistance. Docetaxel has also been tested in combination with androgen deprivation therapy for newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer without prior castration.
Significantly longer overal survival was achieved in the group of combined therapy. However, a significant effect was observed only in patients with high volume metastatic disease.
Abiraterone has also been studied in combination with androgen deprivation therapy in the first line of therapy of high-risk metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Again, overall survival was significantly longer for combined therapy. 'The safety profile of both docetaxel and abiraterone is favorable, but when choosing between these strategies, one must consider the general condition of the patient, his symptoms and comorbidities as well as his preferences.