Hormone therapy reduces testosterone levels to inhibit cancer progression, necessitating consultation with a healthcare professional for optimal treatment selection due to its diverse options and side effects.
FREMONT, CA: Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men, and treatment options vary depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease. Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), plays a crucial role in prostate cancer management. Androgens, primarily testosterone, fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. By lowering androgen levels, hormone therapy helps shrink tumours, slow cancer progression, and alleviate symptoms.
Types Of Hormone Therapy Used For Prostate Cancer.
Orchiectomy
A surgical procedure, orchiectomy, involves removing the testicles, the primary source of testosterone production in the male body. This significantly reduces circulating testosterone levels. Orchiectomy is a permanent solution and may be suitable for men who prefer a definitive approach or have other medical conditions that make medication inadvisable.
Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) Agonists
LHRH agonists are injectable medications that mimic the natural hormone LHRH. However, unlike natural LHRH, which stimulates testosterone production, LHRH agonists initially cause a surge in LHRH release. This surge temporarily elevates testosterone levels, but the pituitary gland, which produces LHRH, becomes desensitised. Consequently, testosterone production from the testicles falls dramatically. Examples of LHRH agonists used for prostate cancer include leuprolide (Lupron) and goserelin (Zoladex).
LHRH Antagonists
LHRH antagonists directly block LHRH receptors on the pituitary gland, preventing LHRH from stimulating testosterone production. Unlike LHRH agonists, they do not cause the initial testosterone surge. Degarelix (Firmagon) is an example of an LHRH antagonist used in prostate cancer treatment.
