Hormone therapy for prostate cancer is a way to reduce the levels of male hormones in the body through the use of drugs. The therapy is also referred to as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) because the goal is to reduce levels of androgens, which are the male hormones. Androgens are produced in the testicles and stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. The cancer may shrink or grow more slowly with the use of hormone therapy, but the therapy is not a cure.
Considerations
Hormone therapy may not be used in early-stage prostate cancer if the cancer can be treated or potentially cured through surgery or radiotherapy, according to CancerHelp UK. But a doctor would be likely to advise using hormone therapy with other treatments if it is decided there is a risk the cancer will come back.
Before Radiation
Hormone therapy is sometimes provided for several months before radiotherapy to shrink the prostate and make the radiotherapy more successful. Shrinkage makes treatment easier and may also help avoid side effects.
With Radiation or Surgery
Hormone therapy may be used during the early stages of prostate cancer in conjunction with radiotherapy or surgery. The doctor may prescribe hormone therapy before, during and after these other treatments. The patient may also receive hormone therapy for a few months, followed by a break before undergoing further hormone treatment. The regimen depends on each man's situation and how the cancer has responded to treatments.
After Radiation or Surgery
Hormones are sometimes used after radiotherapy as well as along with it. Hormone therapy may be used if the cancer remains or returns following surgery or radiation therapy. There's no single time frame for the application of hormone treatment, because each person's cancer is different.
Hormone Surgery
Another method of treating prostate cancer is to remove the testicles in a procedure called orchiectomy. This is considered a form of hormone therapy because it can eliminate more than 90 percent of androgens. It may keep the prostate cancer from growing, but many men are not willing to undergo this procedure.
Types of Drugs
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone drugs are preferred by most men, according to the American Cancer Society. These drugs lower the testosterone levels in the testicles to slow or stop cancer growth. When testosterone is reduced, tumor growth is slowed or the tumor shrinks. Drugs called anti-androgens prevent the body from using androgens. Small amounts of androgens can still be made following other treatments, so anti-androgens are often used with these therapies. They may be administered when other hormone treatments are no longer preventing the cancer from growing. Sometimes hormone treatment can shrink the tumor, but the cancer stops responding to a particular treatment. This also may warrant the use of anti-androgen drugs.
