Out-patient low-dose oral chemotherapy in hormone refractory prostate carcinoma (HRPC) patients unfit for hospital admittance.

Objectives: Well tolerated out-patient regimens for HRPC chemotherapy in elderly patients with geographical difficulties and/or unwilling hospital admission are needed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of a low-dose oral combination of estramustine phosphate (EMP) and etoposide (VP16). Patients: Fifty-six HRPC patients, median age 75 years, were randomized between daily EMP (10mg/kg) – arm A, and low-dose EMP (3mg/kg) plus VP16 (25mg/mq) 2 weeks monthly – arm B. Randomization ratio was 2:3. Median PSA was 41.1 ng/ml. Baseline characteristics between the 2 groups were similar. LHRH therapy was maintained. Antiandrogen was stopped one month before entry.…