Prostate cancer is a significant health concern for men. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, just behind lung cancer. About 1 in 44 men will die from prostate cancer each year in the United States.
Hormone therapy is a common treatment option for this disease. When used in conjunction with other treatments, hormone therapy can decrease the likelihood of early prostate cancer recurrence. Hormone therapy is also a potential treatment option for prostate cancer that has metastasized to other areas of the body.
Understanding the nuances of hormone therapy is critical if you or a loved one has received a prostate cancer diagnosis and are undergoing treatment. Dr. W. Cooper Buschemeyer here at Buschemeyer Urology in Conroe, Willis, and The Woodlands, Texas, wants you to know these four important things about hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is a systemic treatment for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer cells rely on male hormones, particularly testosterone, to grow. Hormone therapy reduces the levels of these hormones in the body, which inhibits the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells.
Dr. Buschemeyer may administer it through injections, pills, or surgical removal of the testicles, which are the primary source of testosterone production.
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer falls into two main types:
These drugs work by temporarily signaling the body to stop producing testosterone. Common examples include leuprolide (Lupron®), goserelin (Zoladex®), and degarelix (Firmagon®).
These medications block the action of androgens (male hormones) on prostate cancer cells. Examples include bicalutamide (Casodex®) and enzalutamide (Xtandi®).
Sometimes, Dr. Buschemeyer and the team here combine hormone therapy with other treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The exact treatment protocol depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer.
While hormone therapy can be effective in treating prostate cancer, it’s not without possible side effects.
Common side effects may include:
Hormone therapy can also lead to mood changes. You should communicate with our office openly about any side effects you experience. We can help you manage many side effects through lifestyle modifications, medications, or other interventions.
We often recommend hormone therapy for prostate cancer as a long-term treatment, especially if you have advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. The duration of treatment varies depending on factors such as the stage of cancer, your response to treatment, and overall health. Regular monitoring through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and other imaging studies helps us assess the effectiveness of hormone therapy and detect any signs of cancer progression.
At Buschemeyer Urology, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support to our patients undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer. If you have any questions or concerns about hormone therapy or any other aspect of prostate cancer treatment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team. Call today or use the online tool to schedule an appointment.
