Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy

Prostate cancer cells need certain hormones, called androgens, to grow. In hormone therapy, the cancerous cells are prevented from getting these hormones. The male hormone, testosterone, is produced at two main locations: the testicles and the adrenal gland. The testicles produce most of the body’s testosterone while the adrenal gland produces a small amount.

One type of hormone treatment uses drugs to prevent the body from producing testosterone. There are drugs, for example, that block the secretion of natural hormones. There are also drugs that that prevent production at localized areas. For example, LH-RH agonists are drugs that prevent the testicles from making testosterone. Leuprolide and goserelin are included here. Drugs that prevent the adrenal gland from making testosterone include ketoconazole and aminoglutethimide. There also agents that only block the action of male hormones, such as flutamide, bicalutamide, and nilutamide.

Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy prevents the cancerous cells from getting the hormones required to cause prostate cancer called androgens. Testosterone, the male hormone, is produced at two main locations: the testicles and the adrenal gland. The testicles produce most of the body’s testosterone while the adrenal gland produces a small amount.

Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy Treatment: Drugs

In order to prevent the body from producing testosterone, one type of hormone treatment uses drugs. There are drugs, for example, that block the secretion of natural hormones. There are also drugs that that prevent production at localized areas. For example, LH-RH agonists are drugs that prevent the testicles from making testosterone. Leuprolide and goserelin are included here. Drugs that prevent the adrenal gland from making testosterone include ketoconazole and aminoglutethimide. Flutamide, bicalutamide, and nilutamide are agents that only block the action of male hormones.

Prostate Cancer Hormone Treatment: Surgery

Surgery is another option in hormone treatment. In a procedure known as orchiectomy, the surgeon removes the testicles, thus permanently reducing the production of testosterone. Although the adrenal gland continues to produce the hormone, substances called antiandrogen can be introduced, and these will block the action of all the male hormones that remain. This combination of surgery and antiandrogens is called a total androgen blockade.

Prior to starting the treatment, ensure that you know to the extent that you can about the procedure. All concerns must be spoken out. Remember that you are managing your life here, so it is certainly not the time to be shy. Of course, talk to your doctor, and ask questions whenever necessary.

Effects of Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy

Hormone treatment can be used to control and delay the growth of prostate cancer. The therapy usually slows down the cancer for a number of years. This is because cancerous cells need hormones to grow at a rapid rate. Once deprived of hormonal material, their rate of growth slows down dramatically. However, although the rate is slower, most prostate cancers will still grow even without the presence of male hormones. When this is the case, your doctor will most probably suggest other forms of therapy. 

Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy Side Affects

Making the decision to get hormone therapy is not a simple one. It will have a material effect on the quality of your life. There are many side effects to hormone therapy, all of them undesirable. Some of the side effects are

• Impotence and a loss of sexual desire
• Erective dysfunction, leading to decline in sexual performance
• Weakening of bones

To combat weakening of bones, your doctor may prescribe dietary supplements, such as calcium. Other side effects include hot flashes, nausea, diarrhea, and breast growth and tenderness. Although rare, antiandrogens may also cause liver problems like abdominal pain and dark urine. Sudden changes in light may also become unduly stressful, and skin problems may surface.