Types of Hormone Therapy Used In Prostate Cancer Treatment

Hormones are substances produced naturally in the glands of human body. They travel through bloodstream and affect different, but targeted tissues and cells of the body. Androgens are male sex hormones that control male characteristic development. Dihydrotestosterone and testosterone are found in plenty. Almost all the testosterone is produced in male testicles, but some percentage is formed by adrenal glands as well.

How prostate cancer gets stimulated?

Prostate is a male reproductive gland that secretes semen. Androgens are needed for the normal male growth and prostate function. Androgens also promote growth of cancerous and normal prostate cells by binding to the androgen receptor (protein present in prostate cells) and activating it. The activated androgen receptor stimulates specific genes causing the prostate cells to develop.

In early development stage, prostate cancers need high androgen levels to grow. Treatments to decrease the androgen levels can slow the growth.

At times, prostate cancers ultimately turn to castration resistant. It means they persist to develop even if the body’s androgen levels are undetectable or extremely low.

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Mens hormone therapy used for prostate cancer is called androgen deprivation therapy or androgen suppression therapy. It blocks the production as well as use of androgen.

The treatment can:

• Decrease the level of androgen produced by testicles through orchiectomy (removing both testicles), LHRH agonist drugs and LHRH antagonist drugs

• Block androgen actions in the body via anti-androgen drugs or blend surgical orchiectomy and agonist drugs

• Obstruct androgen production throughout the body including androgen synthesis inhibitors in pill form is given to block adrenal glands secretion

Types of HT provided to treat prostate cancer

Adjuvant hormone therapy – Males with early stage of prostate cancer, which includes high recurrence risk, might receive adjuvant hormonal treatment, after prostatectomy or radiation therapy. Factors that determine recurrence of prostate cancer include tumor grade, extent, and impact of cancerous cells on lymph nodes. With adjuvant hormone treatment, men after primary treatments live longer without any concern of recurrence.

Neoadjuvant hormone therapy – Hormone treatment given before any other surgical or radiation therapy is called neoadjuvant hormone therapy. Males with high recurrence risk are given neoadjuvant hormone therapy before, during, and after treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. The use of neoadjuvant hormone therapy in combination with radiation and chemotherapy prolongs the survival.

Hormone therapy alone – Men with advanced stage of tumor and other health issues can use hormone therapy alone. Hormone therapy is a standard treatment for male’s diagnosed with metastatic disease. It means, when the disease has advanced, during the first diagnosis.

Treatment alternatives for castration-resistant prostate cancer

• Anti-androgens

• Androgen synthesis inhibitors

• Immunotherapy

• Chemotherapy

• Radium 223 dichloride drug

Men undergoing castration resistant prostate cancer treatment will persist to take LHRH agonist to eliminate the increase in testosterone level that can cause the tumor to progress.

Testosterone replacement therapy

Male sex drive gets low in case of low testosterone level. Testosterone therapy boosts the T-level back and enhances his sexual drive. Besides, low-T treatment strengthens male bones and avoids osteoporosis. In addition, it controls blood sugar and affects man’s life quality dramatically.

Author’s Bio:-This article has been written by Arthur Cooper. He cites many instances where men have been able to get successfully treated for prostate cancer with mens hormone therapy. To know more about their services and the facilities provided at their center in Denver, please visit their website.