OBJECTIVES: Docetaxel has been a treatment option for CRPC since 2004. With new treatment options available since, efficacy and guideline adherence are of interest in the Netherlands. The aim of this analysis is to investigate the use of docetaxel in a real-world population, according to guideline adherence based on simplified criteria for docetaxel treatment.

METHODS: CAPRI is an observational, retrospective study in 20 hospitals in the Netherlands. All CRPC patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2013 were included. Patients were followed until March 2015. We retrospectively identified patients with an indication for docetaxel based on 3 criteria: 1. metastatic CRPC, 2. WHO performance score 0-2, 3. either symptomatic disease, or asymptomatic with visceral metastases or rapid progression, defined as less than 1 year from start of androgen deprivation therapy to CRPC diagnosis.

RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Despite having an indication for docetaxel treatment, 40% of patients has not been treated with this life-prolonging drug. Age, comorbidity and less aggressive disease characteristics may be reasons for this observation, as well as alternative life prolonging treatment options, patient preferences or unknown confounders.