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Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy
The goal of hormone therapy for prostate cancer is to keep 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 agonists and antiandrogens. Surgery to remove the testicles may also be recommended. Hormone therapy often causes side effects, such as impotence, hot flashes, and osteoporosis.
Men with prostate cancer have several treatment options. The treatment that is best for one man may not be best for another.
Treatments for prostate cancer other than hormone therapy may involve:
- Watchful waiting (see Watchful Waiting for Prostate Cancer)
- Surgery (see Prostate Cancer Surgery)
- Radiation therapy (see Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer).
A combination of prostate cancer treatments may also be advised.
Prostate cancer hormone therapy keeps 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.
Both medicines and surgery can be used to deliver hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
Your doctor may suggest a 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.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD