PSA response after cabazitaxel treatment is associated with improved progression-free survival in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

This study aimed to examine the links between prostate specific antigen (PSA, a protein present in prostate cancer) and survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with cabazitaxel. This studty concluded that PSA response after cabazitaxel treatment is associated with improved progression-free survival in men with mCRPC. 

A main treatment option for prostate cancer is androgen deprivation therapy. This blocks the male hormones, such as testosterone, responsible for cancer growth. Some patients may become resistant to this therapy, and may experience cancer spread. This is known as metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). There are several treatment options for mCRPC. One treatment, cabazitaxel (Jevtana), slows down the growth of prostate tumor cells. A steroid (prednisone) is often given with this drug. 

The effectiveness of this medication is unclear. 

This study looked at the association between cabazitaxel and PSA levels. PSA is often used to follow the progression of this disease. 527 men were included in this study and received cabazitaxel  and steroids. 

34.6% of men had a PSA decrease of 50% or more. Progression-free survival (time taken for cancer to progress) was longer for those who had a PSA decrease (15.7 months) as compared to those who did not (5.3 months). Overall survival was 23.3 months for those who had a large PSA decrease, as compared to 16 months. 

59.6% of men in this study had a side effect such as anemia (low red blood cell levels) or low white blood cells. 

This study concluded that PSA response after cabazitaxel treatment is associated with improved progression-free survival in men with mCRPC. 

The statistical evidence for overall survival in this article was not very strong.