Efficacy and safety of docetaxel in the elderly

Abstract

Docetaxel has been found to be safe and effective in elderly patients with solid tumor malignancies. Phase II studies in elderly cancer patients have shown no significant age-related effects in efficacy or toxicity. For most cancer subtypes, weekly dosing is comparable in efficacy to every 3-week dosing schedules. The incidence of myelosuppression, which is of particular concern in the elderly, may be reduced with weekly dosing. Myelosuppression and fatigue are the most common side effects of docetaxel; other adverse events include alopecia, asthenia, dermatologic toxicity, hyperlacrimation, fluid retention and hypersensitivity reactions. Most side effects are dose-related and can be resolved through dose reductions or short delays in therapy. In summary, docetaxel is an effective chemotherapeutic agent and is commonly incorporated into the treatment plan for elderly patients with cancer.