Prostate cancer hormone therapy keeps cancer cells from getting the male hormones (known as androgens) they need to grow. Medicines used in this treatment method include luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists and antiandrogens. Surgery to remove the testicles, known as orchiectomy, may also be recommended. Prostate cancer hormone therapy often causes side effects, such as impotence, hot flashes, and osteoporosis.
Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy: An Overview
Men with
prostate cancer have several treatment options. The treatment that is best for one man may not be best for another.
You may have a combination of prostate cancer treatments.
Specific Informationon Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy
Prostate cancer hormone therapy keeps prostate cancer cells from getting the male hormones (androgens) they need to grow. The testicles are the body's main source of the male hormone testosterone. The adrenal gland also makes a small amount of testosterone.
Prostate cancer hormone therapy uses medicines or surgery.
Medicines Used in Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy
Your doctor may suggest a prostate cancer medicine that blocks natural hormones. Several medicines used for prostate cancer hormone therapy include:
- Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists
- Antiandrogens
- Other drugs.
Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) Agonists
These medicines can prevent the testicles from making testosterone. Examples are leuprolide and goserelin.
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