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About Hormone Treatment in Prostate Cancer
by Marissa Willman
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Overview
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and affects more than 2 million men in the United States. While the cancer can be fatal, there are various treatment options available for prostate cancer. Since this cancer affects the male reproductive system, the suppression of male hormones in the body has been shown to significantly reduce the cancer's growth. This form of therapy is known as hormone treatment.
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Function
Hormone treatment is a method of treatment for prostate cancer. It is generally used in patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body and after the patient has undergone surgery to remove tumors. This treatment may also be used after chemotherapy or radiation therapy if the cancer returns. Hormone treatment depletes testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels since these hormones stimulate the growth of cancer cells. By reducing or eradicating these hormones, hormone treatment can shrink existing tumors and reduce the rate at which the cancer spreads.
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Types
Hormone treatment for prostate cancer can be administered surgically or through a medication regiment. Surgical hormone treatment consists of removing the testicles so the body will not produce testosterone or dihydrotestosterone. Various medications are also available to create the same effect by suppressing or counteracting testosterone. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormones reduce testosterone levels in the body and are injected or implanted into the body. Anti-androgens prevent the body from using testosterone or dihydrotestosterone and are prescribed in pill form. Estrogen may be prescribed to counteract testosterone if anti-androgens are not effective.
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Side Effects
The lack of testosterone in the body can lead to hot flashes, erectile dysfunction and loss of sex drive. Weight gain, breast changes and reduced muscle strength are also possible side effects of prostate cancer. Men have also reported changes in hair texture, growth levels and location during hormone treatment. Decreased testosterone levels have been shown to reduce bone density levels, which can increase one's risk for sustaining a bone fracture.
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Benefits
Hormone treatment for prostate cancer can add years to the patient's life by suppressing the cancer's growth. This treatment can also increase the patient's probability for survival. Hormone treatment through medication is not as invasive as surgically removing tumors or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This treatment is generally well-tolerated compared to chemotherapy.
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Considerations
While hormone treatment can be effective at reducing the rate at which prostate cancer spreads and for shrinking existing tumors, hormone therapy cannot cure prostate cancer. Hormone treatment can suppress the cancer for a period of time but will not ultimately destroy the cancerous cells. Hormone treatment is also irreversible if done by removing the testicles. Medications such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormones, however, tend to be significantly more expensive than surgery and require more visits to the doctor but the medication's effects are generally reversible.
