Docetaxel is a key treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and was the first therapy shown to improve overall survival in this setting. It is typically used after the disease progresses despite androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), often in patients who have already tried oral androgen receptor pathway inhibitors like enzalutamide or abiraterone.

Docetaxel is given as an intravenous infusion, usually every 3 weeks for up to 10 cycles, and works by interfering with cancer cell division. It’s most appropriate for patients with rapidly progressing disease, high symptom burden, or visceral metastases. Common side effects include fatigue, low blood counts, hair loss, neuropathy, and increased infection risk, so it’s best suited for patients with good performance status.