Hormone therapy is one of the newly available cancer treatments, and it is recommended for certain types of cancer. It can either inhibit the production of hormones or even prevent the hormones from binding to the receptors present on the surface of cancer cells.
Hormone therapy for cancer works best in hormone-sensitive cancers, such as ovarian, prostate, uterine (endometrial), adrenal, and breast cancers, which usually rely on certain hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone, for growth.
The two fundamental approaches involved in managing such cancers include the usage of drugs that prevent hormone action or surgical removal of hormone-producing organs. Hormone therapy is combined with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Side effects of hormone therapy for cancer may depend on the type of hormone therapy used and the type of cancer treated but may include hot flashes, fatigue, and effects on bone density or sexual function.
Often recommended in combination with other treatments, hormone therapy is effective in metastatic or recurrent cancers.
The primary goal of hormone therapy for breast cancer is to block or reduce the action of estrogen and progesterone hormones that fuel the development of some types of breast cancer. Hormone therapy is an effective option for treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, where cancer cells have receptors for these hormones. Hormone therapy includes selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) and aromatase inhibitors. In some cases, ovarian suppression can be used to reduce the level of estrogen produced by premenopausal women. Hormone therapy can be administered following surgery to treat metastatic breast cancer or to prevent recurrence.
Hormone treatment for prostate cancer, also widely known as androgen deprivation therapy, reduces or inhibits the action of androgens, such as testosterone, that are known to promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. The goal is to either lower the levels of these hormones in the system or prevent them from stimulating cancer growth. The two primary types of hormone therapy are medications and surgical castration (orchiectomy). Hormone therapy slows disease progression, reduces tumors, and controls symptoms.
Hormone therapy for endometrial cancer slows down or stops the growth of endometrial cancer cells, which depend on estrogen and progesterone for proliferation and spread. It is generally administered in advanced or recurrent endometrial cancers, especially in cases where surgery or radiation cannot be performed or is ineffective. Progestin, which is the synthetic hormone that mimics progesterone, is widely used in hormone therapy for endometrial cancer. The other drugs recommended as part of hormonal therapy include selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) and aromatase inhibitors. Hormone therapy could be recommended alone or in addition to other treatments for women with hormone receptor-positive tumors.
Hormone therapy for adrenal cancer corrects the overproduction of specific hormones by the tumor. In general, overproduction from adrenal cancers can result in too much cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens, leading to high blood pressure, weight gain, and abnormal hair growth. Drugs used in hormone therapy attempt to block the actions of these hormones or decrease their production. Hormone treatment for cancer of the adrenal cortex is often combined with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy for the treatment of adrenal cancer. Even though hormone therapy is not curative, it can contribute to a better life for those affected by adrenal cancer by reducing symptoms and keeping them under control.
Hormone therapy for cancer is used for cancers that are hormone-dependent and include cancers of the breast, prostate, adrenal cortex, ovaries, and endometrium. Hormone therapy aims to either decrease the production of hormones by the body or block certain hormones to prevent their action on cancer cells.
The two main methods are drug therapy and surgical removal of hormone-producing organs. Drugs have two categories, i.e., hormone blockers and aromatase inhibitors. If you take prostate cancer, for example, the ADT therapy administered involves either lowering the levels of testosterone or blocking its effects.
Hormone treatment to treat cancer of the prostate gland can be combined with other therapies, such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. It can be performed before (neoadjuvant) or after other therapies to achieve a better outcome. It is beneficial in the cases of advanced or metastatic cancers.
Hormone therapy for cancer essentially involves blocking or lowering the amount of certain hormones in the body to help stop or slow cancer growth.
In the case of hormone-sensitive cancers, hormone therapy controls cancer growth by preventing the attachment of hormones to cancer cells or reducing the amount of hormones produced by the body.
There are two forms of hormone therapy for cancer. One is prescription medicines that block hormones from achieving their effects or stopping the production of hormones in the body.
The second is a surgical procedure aimed at removing organs like ovaries or testicles, which are involved in hormone production.
Hormone therapy for cancer may either be used in itself or in conjunction with other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The side effects include fatigue, hot flashes, and bone changes.
Orally administered hormone therapy blocks or lowers hormone levels in the body, slowing the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. Oral hormone therapy is usually prescribed for several years to prevent the recurrence of cancer or control the disease when it has spread. Oral hormonal therapy is effective, but there could be other side effects depending on the drug used.
Injectable hormone therapy for cancer involves the administration of hormone replacement or hormone blockade. This approach is effective for hormone receptor-positive cancers, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. Some patients will respond better to injectable medication compared with oral medication. For example, the administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists is a standard hormone therapy approach for prostate cancer, wherein testosterone levels are suppressed. Injectable estrogens and progesterone will also be necessary for the treatment of some female patients with certain types of breast cancer.
Surgical removal of hormone-producing organs reduces the concentration of hormones in the body, slowing down the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers. For instance, oophorectomy for the management of breast cancer involves the removal of the ovaries, resulting in diminished estrogen production and hence reducing the recurrence of the disease. Orchiectomy involves the removal of the testicles in the case of prostate cancer to stop the production of testosterone. This surgical treatment can help manage advanced cancers or those cases where other therapies are inconvenient. Though surgery will benefit the body, some side effects may occur, such as hormonal imbalance and mood swings.
The selection of a hormone therapy specialist involves various steps.
Look for an oncologist or endocrinologist who has experience administering hormone therapy for different types of cancer.
Ask your primary care doctor for advice. Check whether the doctor has the qualifications and experience to manage cancer through hormonal therapy. Consider his willingness to answer questions, as a supportive relationship is essential. You may also look for reviews dropped by their patients to understand what to expect during your treatment.
Lastly, make sure they have a multidisciplinary team to offer integrated care. Ensure that the hospital has all the facilities to cater to your health needs and accepts your insurance plans for treatment.
The hormonal therapy department of HCG Cancer Centre offers advanced treatment of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, prostate, and endometrial cancers. We employ a multidisciplinary care approach, wherein advanced hormone therapies are administered as part of personally tailored treatment plans for every patient.
Highly experienced oncologists and healthcare professionals use the latest medication and techniques to manage cancer growth and reduce symptoms efficiently. Patient education and support are provided to make them understand their treatment options.
The expert team at HCG strives to provide the most compassionate care with optimum outcomes for cancer patients, thereby improving their quality of life.
HCG, a leading hospital for cancer treatment in India, specializes in diagnosing and treating hormone-sensitive cancers. It delivers advanced hormone therapy through collaboration with recent research and technologies.
At HCG, we have a dedicated department for medical oncology services with a robust medical oncology team comprising experienced oncologists, endocrinologists, and support staff that treat every patient with comprehensive treatment and patient-focused care.
Our medical oncology team collaborates with other departments, such as radiation oncology and surgical oncology, to offer holistic cancer care.
HCG emphasizes patient education so that every patient is thoroughly informed about various treatment options available and can make informed health decisions. As a trusted cancer care provider, HCG is committed to excellence in delivering advanced diagnostic and treatment services, along with services such as preventive oncology, with optimal outcomes.