Casodex, the brand name for bicalutamide, is a hormone therapy drug used to treat prostate cancer. It works by blocking testosterone from acting on androgen receptors found on prostate cancer cells. This helps slow down or shrink a prostate tumor. Casodex is taken orally once per day, and may be combined with another type of drug called a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, or LHRH, agonist which also helps to block testosterone. Side effects may include a decreased libido and pain, notes CancerHelp UK. Other hormone therapies are available for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Eulexin
Eulexin is the brand name for the drug flutamide. Like Casodex, it is a hormone therapy with anti-androgen properties. This means it blocks the action of testosterone on prostate cancer cells. It may be given alone or alongside an LHRH agonist. According to the Prostate Cancer Research Institute, Eulexin is less expensive than Casodex. It has a higher incidence of side effects, however. These may include diarrhea and liver enzyme abnormalities. The Prostate Cancer Research Institute notes that these side effects are usually not serious.
Nilandron
Nilandron, also known by the generic name nilutamide, is another anti-androgen drug used to treat prostate cancer. Like Casodex, Nilandron is may be given alone or alongside an LHRH agonist. Nilandron is an oral once-daily drug; however, a doctor should advise on the correct dose and dosing schedule. Side effects may include loss of interest in sex, hot flashes, impotence and nipple discharge. ChemoCare.com, a website of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, notes that these side effects affect at least 30 percent of men taking Nilandron.
Firmagon
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, or GnRH, antagonists are another kind of hormone therapy used to treat prostate cancer. These work by blocking brain signals that prompt the testicles to produce testosterone. Firmagon, also known by the generic name degarelix, is the only GnRH antagonist available as of September 2010. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2008. Firmagon is an injectable drug and is usually administered once every 28 days. Firmagon may cause side effects such as sweating, joint pain, nausea and headache.
Stilboestrol
Stilboestrol is the trade name for diethylstilbestrol, a drug which mimics the effects of estrogen. According to the Prostate Cancer Charity, it may help treat prostate cancer by blocking brain signals that tell the testicles to release testosterone. It can also slow the growth of prostate cancer cells. It may cause circulation problems, so should not be used by men with a history of high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke.
