Hormone treatments for prostate cancer are also called androgen deprivation treatments. The purpose of these treatments is to reduce the amount of male hormones (androgens) in the body, according to the National Cancer Institute. Androgens aid in the growth of prostate cancer cells, and by reducing the amount of androgens in the body, prostate cancer can shrink, or grow at a slower rate, according to the American Cancer Society. Hormone treatments are not a cure for prostate cancer, but they help control and minimize it.
When Are Hormone Treatments Used
According to the American Cancer Society, there are several instances in which hormone treatments are used for prostate cancer. These include if you cannot have surgery or radiation; if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland; if your cancer is resistant to radiation or it comes back after surgery and radiation; if your risk of recurrence is high, hormone treatments can be added to radiation; and hormone treatments can be given prior to surgery to try and shrink the cancer. Surgery, called orchiectomy, can be classified as a surgical procedure, but it works as a hormone treatment because the testicles, the main sources of androgen production, are removed.
Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Agonists (LH-RH agonists)
The National Cancer Institute describes LH-RH agonists as drugs that help stop the production of sex hormones. In men, these drugs lower the amount of testosterone in the body. These drugs are either injected or inserted under the skin, and can be given monthly, or every few months, depending on which drug is chosen, according to the American Cancer Society. Drugs in this class include leuprolide (brand name Lupron), goserelin (brand name Zoladex) and triptorelin (brand name Trelstar).
Anti-Androgens
Anti-androgen drugs block the body from using any androgens. These drugs are taken every day, and are usually combined with another type of treatment for prostate cancer, like surgery, or other drugs. Medications in this category include flutamide (brand name Eulexin) and bicalutamide (brand name Nilandron).
Other Hormone Treatments
Estrogens used to be used in treating men with prostate cancer, but there were many side effects like blood clots and significant breast enlargement. These drugs are not commonly used in prostate cancer anymore, unless the cancer is not responsive to androgen deprivation treatments. A drug called ketoconazole (brand name Nizoral) has been used in treating prostate cancer, because it blocks androgens, although it is primarily used as an anti-fungal agent. Because it stops the body's production of cortisol, men on this treatment usually have to take a corticosteroid as well, to prevent the effects from low cortisol in the body.
Side Effects
Side effects of hormone treatments for prostate cancer can include lack of libido, impotence, growth of breast tissue, reduced muscle mass, osteoporosis, weight gain, fatigue and depression. There are medications to help combat depression and osteoporosis, and exercise helps reduce many of the side effects like weight gain, fatigue, and reduced muscle mass. If you are having any concerns or problems, it is best to talk with your doctor about it so you can come up with a plan that works best for you.
