An overview of Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer is a medical treatment that aims to stop the hormone testosterone from fueling the growth of prostate cancer cells. It may involve medications or surgery to remove the testicles. Hormone therapy is also known as androgen deprivation therapy. It can be used to shrink cancerous tumors, slow cancer growth, relieve symptoms, or lower the risk of cancer recurrence. Risks of hormone therapy include side effects such as loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, bone thinning, hot flashes, less body hair, breast tissue growth, tiredness, diabetes, and heart disease. Intermittent dosing, where medications are taken for a set amount of time or until the PSA level is very low, might be recommended in certain situations to reduce side effects without affecting long-term survival or quality of life. It is essential to discuss the options with a doctor before undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
What is Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer used for?
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer is used to block the hormone testosterone in the body. Testosterone fuels the growth of prostate cancer cells. It may be used for prostate cancer that has spread, called metastatic prostate cancer, to shrink the cancer and slow the growth of tumors. It can also be used after prostate cancer treatment if the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level remains high or starts rising. Additionally, it can be used in locally advanced prostate cancer to make external beam radiation therapy better at lowering the risk of the cancer coming back. Hormone therapy might be considered to lower the risk that the cancer will come back in those who have a high risk of cancer recurrence.
How are Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer results reported?
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer results are reported through regular follow-up meetings with a doctor. The doctor may ask about any side effects experienced by the patient and may order tests to check the patient's health and watch for signs of cancer recurrence or progression. The treatment may be adjusted if needed based on the results of these tests and evaluations.
Understanding the report
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer is used to block the hormone testosterone in the body, as most prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone to grow. Results of hormone therapy for prostate cancer may be interpreted in various ways, depending on the specific goals of treatment.
- For metastatic prostate cancer, hormone therapy aims to shrink the cancer and slow the growth of tumors. Success can be measured by the reduction in tumor size and the relief of symptoms such as pain.
- After prostate cancer treatment if the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level remains high or starts rising, hormone therapy may be used to bring the PSA level under control. In this case, success is measured by achieving a lower PSA level.
- In locally advanced prostate cancer, hormone therapy may be used in combination with external beam radiation therapy to lower the risk of cancer recurrence. The effectiveness of this approach can be assessed by evaluating the reduction in cancer recurrence rates.
- In high-risk patients, hormone therapy may be used to lower the risk of cancer recurrence. Success can be measured by the reduced incidence of cancer recurrence.
Overall, the interpretation of hormone therapy results for prostate cancer depends on the specific goals of treatment and the individual patient's situation. It is essential to discuss the expected outcomes with your doctor to better understand how hormone therapy results will be evaluated in your case.