Hormone therapy, also known as hormonal therapy or endocrine therapy, is a cancer treatment that works by blocking or lowering the levels of specific hormones that some cancers need to grow.
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How It Works
Certain cancers have hormone receptors on the surface of their cells.
Blocking hormones from binding to receptors: Drugs called hormone receptor antagonists prevent hormones from attaching to the cancer cells, effectively shutting off the growth signal.
Lowering hormone production: Other therapies can stop the body from producing the hormones that fuel the cancer.
This can be achieved with drugs or, in some cases, surgery to remove the organs that produce the hormones (e.g., ovaries or testicles).
Types of Hormone Therapy
The type of hormone therapy a person receives depends on the specific cancer and the hormones it uses to grow.
For Breast Cancer: The primary hormones involved are estrogen and progesterone.
Anti-estrogens: Drugs like tamoxifen block estrogen receptors on cancer cells.
Aromatase inhibitors: These drugs, such as anastrozole and letrozole, stop the body from producing estrogen in postmenopausal women.
Ovarian ablation or suppression: This involves surgery or drugs to stop the ovaries from producing estrogen.
For Prostate Cancer: The main hormones are androgens, such as testosterone.
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT): This is the most common form of hormone therapy for prostate cancer. It can be achieved with drugs that stop the production of testosterone or with surgery to remove the testicles (orchiectomy).
Anti-androgens: These drugs block androgen receptors on prostate cancer cells.
When Is Hormone Therapy Used?
Hormone therapy can be used in various ways:
As a primary treatment: For some cancers, it can be the main treatment, especially if the cancer has spread and surgery or radiation is not an option.
Before other treatments (neoadjuvant therapy): It can be used to shrink a tumor, making it easier to remove with surgery or treat with radiation.
After other treatments (adjuvant therapy): It can be used to lower the risk of the cancer returning.
To manage advanced or metastatic cancer: It can help control cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Side Effects
Because hormone therapy alters hormone levels throughout the body, it can cause a range of side effects.
For men (prostate cancer):
Hot flashes
Loss of libido and erectile dysfunction
Breast tenderness and enlargement
Loss of muscle mass and bone thinning (osteoporosis)
Weight gain and fatigue
For women (breast cancer):
Hot flashes
Vaginal dryness
Changes in menstrual cycles
Mood changes
Nausea
Increased risk of blood clots or brittle bones (osteoporosis)
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