A member of the advanced prostate cancer on-line group recently posted about his experience using the newly approved chemotherapy agent, Jevtana (cabazitaxel). His post included not only a report about his PSA response to the drug, but his experiences with side effects and a suggested method of controlling one of the debilitating side effect, diarrhea.
He reported that his sixth infusion which was his last dose of Jevtana had been given 4 weeks ago (from the time of his post). During the course of treatment his PSA dropped more than 50%, then fluctuated. After which the last three PSA’s showed a steady, rising trend.
His oncologist then switched him to what he referred to as a long shot drug, carboplatin. Carboplatin is a 2nd line chemotherapy drug (not FDA approved for prostate cancer treatment) that is sometimes used once taxotere has stopped working. There are a number of small studies that show that some men do experience a PSA drop and pain control when carbplatin is used along with or after taxotere. Carbplatin has nor demonstrated any life extension as Jevtana has when given in similar circumstances.
He reported that the side effects from the Jevtana included diarrhea which required that he received treatment with IV fluids and loperamide (Immodium); fatigue, treated with methylphenidate (Ritalin); nausea and vomiting, treated with prochl