Antiandrogens
These drugs can block the action of male hormones. Examples include:
- Flutamide
- Bicalutamide
- Nilutamide.
Other Drugs
Some drugs can prevent the adrenal gland from making testosterone, such as ketoconazole and aminoglutethimide.
Surgery and Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy
Surgery to remove the testicles is called orchiectomy.
Additional Medication for Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy
After orchiectomy or treatment with an LH-RH agonist, your body no longer gets testosterone from the testicles; however, the adrenal gland still produces a small amount of male hormones. You may receive an antiandrogen to block the action of the male hormones that remain. This combination of treatments is known as total androgen blockade. Studies have not shown whether total androgen blockade is more effective than surgery or an LH-RH agonist alone.
Long-Term Impact of Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy
Doctors can usually control
prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body with prostate cancer hormone therapy. The cancer often does not grow for several years. But in time, most prostate cancers can grow with little or no male hormones. Then hormone therapy is no longer helpful. At that time, your doctor may suggest other forms of
prostate cancer treatment that are under study.
Side Effects of Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy
Prostate cancer hormone therapy is likely to affect your quality of life. It often causes side effects, such as:
An LH-RH agonist may make your symptoms worse for a short time when you first take it. This temporary problem is called "flare." The treatment gradually causes your testosterone level to fall. Without testosterone, tumor growth slows. Your condition may improve. (To prevent flares, your doctor may give you an antiandrogen for a while along with the LH-RH agonist.)
Antiandrogens (such as nilutamide) used for prostate cancer hormone therapy can cause:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Breast growth or tenderness.
Rarely, they may cause liver problems (pain in the abdomen, yellow eyes, or dark urine). Some men who use nilutamide may have difficulty breathing. Some may have trouble adjusting to sudden changes in light.
If used for a long time, ketoconazole may cause liver problems, and aminoglutethimide can cause skin rashes. If you receive total androgen blockade, you may have more side effects than if you have just one type of prostate cancer hormone therapy.
Any treatment that lowers hormone levels can weaken your bones (a condition called
osteoporosis). Your doctor can suggest medicines or
dietary supplements that can reduce your risk of this condition.
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