The efficacy and safety of docetaxel plus thalidomide vs. docetaxel alone in patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer: a systematic review

The aim of this systematic review was taken to investigate the efficacy and safety of docetaxel plus thalidomide vs. docetaxel alone for treating androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Data were collected from different databases independently by three researchers according to the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Total three studies were finally included, indicating that docetaxel plus thalidomide exhibited better survival prognosis and greater prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline than docetaxel alone. There were no significant differences of hematologic toxicities in two regimens, while the frequency of non-hematologic toxicities was higher in patients with docetaxel plus thalidomide. Briefly, the available evidence indicates potential survival advantage in docetaxel plus thalidomide over docetaxel alone.