Chemo for metastatic prostate cancer

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Hiya

My brother is due to start another 6 rounds of chemo for his metastatic proste cancer gleeson 9. His first 6 rounds were docetaxel and he was given dexamethasone the day before chemo and then prednisolone in-between the cycles. This time he is having cabaxetaxel 6 cycles every 3 weeks but when he had his blood test today they didn't give him the steroids to take before the chemo. Is that normal as I am worried that without the steroids beforehand he is going to be really unwell. This chemo is to target his liver and he already has low energy levels. Hope you can help. Thank you 

  • Hi Synchro

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Macmillan Online Community. I see from your profile that you have joined the prostate cancer forum. I hope you find it supportive.

    I’m sorry to read that your brother requires more chemotherapy.

    When someone is given a course of cabazitaxel they are usually given prednisolone tablets to take each day. Prednisolone is a type of steroid. This may be given on the day of chemotherapy, before he goes home, rather than on the day he gets his bloods.

    If he has not been given prednisolone then he should contact the 24 hour helpline number for people on treatment that he should have been given, or contact his nurse specialist and discuss this with them.

    I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

    Best wishes,

    Fiona M,

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email

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  • Thank you for your reply. He has been given prednisolone today after his chemo along with anti sickness tablets and some injections for 5 days.