Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells within the prostate gland grow out of control. The prostate makes up part of the male reproductive system and produces fluid that makes up a part of semen. According to an article by the "Society for Endocrinology," in 2009 approximately 27,360 men died of prostate cancer in the United States. Testosterone plays an integral role in the growth and treatment of prostate cancer.
Function of Testosterone
The book "100 Questions and Answers About Prostate Cancer" defines testosterone as the male hormone or androgen that is produced primarily by the testes and is needed for sexual function and fertility. The body breaks down testosterone into a chemical called dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestoterone stimulates the growth of the prostate, which affects both normal prostate cells and prostate cancer cells, according to "100 Questions and Answer About Prostate Cancer."
Effects of Testosterone on Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is related to sex hormones, according to "100 Questions and Answers About Prostate Cancer." Normal prostate cells grow when stimulated by testosterone. Testosterone appears to also stimulate the growth of certain types of prostate cancer cells. Men who have had their testicles removed, or castrated, rarely develop prostate cancer. Conversely, a correlation exists between men with high levels of testosterone and prostate cancer. However, the exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown.
The Make-up of Prostate Cancer
Two types of cells make up prostate cancer: hormone-sensitive cells and hormone-insensitive cells. Hormone-insensitive cells grow regardless of the presence or absence of testosterone. Hormone-sensitive cells appear to be dependent on testosterone for growth, according to "100 Questions and Answers About Prostate Cancer." The addition of testosterone appears to affect the growth of hormone-sensitive cells.
Hormone Therapy and the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Hormone therapy is a type of prostate cancer treatment designed to eliminate testosterone from the body, preventing the growth of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer cells. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hormone therapy uses drugs, surgery or other hormones to remove testosterone or block it from working. In an article from the Society of Endocrinology, depletion of testosterone remains the front line treatment for prostate cancer.
Considerations and Future Directions
Hormone therapy will not cure prostate cancer. Rather, it will slow down the growth of prostate cancer. Many times prostate cancer cells become hormone resistant and continue to grow despite hormone therapy. According to the Society for Endocrinology, clinical trials continues to find and test new and more potent hormonal agents.
References
- "The Society of Endocrinology"; An Update on Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer; Nima Sharifi, M.D., James L. Gulley, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.P., William L. Dahut, M.D.; September 2010
- "100 Questions and Answers About Prostate Cancer"; Pamela Ellsworth, M.D., John Heaney, M.D., and Cliff Gill; 2003
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prostate Cancer Treatment
