Endometrial cancer is cancer of the uterine lining, also called the endometrium. Endometrial cancer is typically responsive to hormones, and estrogen helps some endometrial cancers to grow, according to the National Cancer Institute. Hormonal treatments can be used to treat endometrial cancer because the treatments help prevent cancer cells from getting the nourishment they need and slows down cancer growth. Hormone therapy is a systemic therapy for endometrial cancer, meaning it affects cancer cells throughout the body, not just those in the endometrium.
Progestins
The main type of hormone used to treat endometrial cancer are progestins, according to the American Cancer Society. The two progestins used most commonly are medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) and megestrol acetate (Megace), according to the American Cancer Society. These medications help slow the growth of endometrial cancer cells. Common side effects of these progestins can include elevated blood sugar levels in those women with diabetes, night sweats, hot flashes and weight gain.
Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen drug that is used to treat some kinds of breast cancer, is also used to treat endometrial cancer that is advanced or recurred, according to the American Cancer Society. This medication stops estrogen from promoting the growth of cancer cells. Tamoxifen can cause hot flashes and vaginal dryness, as well as an increased risk of blood clots in the leg.
Aromatase Inhibitors
Even if a woman has had her ovaries removed or has gone through menopause, estrogen is still made in the fatty tissues of her body. Aromatase inhibitors prevent this estrogen from forming and lower overall levels of estrogen in the body, and are used in the treatment of both breast and endometrial cancer, although they are not first-line drugs for endometrial cancer. These drugs can include letrozole (Femara), anastrozole (Arimidex) and exemestane (Aromasin). Side effects can include hot flashes and joint and muscle pain.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, also known as GNRH agonists, are another type of medication that lowers estrogen levels. In premenopausal women, these drugs stop the ovaries from making any more estrogen. Drugs in this class include goserelin (Zoladex) and leuprolide (Lupron), and are injected every one to three months, according to the American Cancer Society. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms are common side effects of these medications.
