Rupture of liver metastasis in high-volume metastatic prostate cancer patient on androgen deprivation therapy combined with upfront docetaxel chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have indicated an improvement in the survival rate of patients using docetaxel in addition to androgen deprivation therapy for high-volume metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Hepatorrhexis, characterized by the rupture of the liver, is a rare complication associated with chemotherapies. We report a case of hepatic metastases rupture during androgen deprivation therapy combined with upfront docetaxel chemotherapy.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 77-year-old man diagnosed with high-volume metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer received an upfront docetaxel treatment combined with androgen deprivation therapy. Hepatic metastases rupture with substantial hemoperitoneum occurred on the 14th day of the fifth cycle of docetaxel chemotherapy. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed; however, despite receiving optimal supportive care, the patient died.

CONCLUSION: The addition of upfront docetaxel to androgen deprivation therapy may be effective in patients with high-volume metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer; however, strict observation is required to monitor for the occurrence of rare complications, including hepatorrhexis.