Treating Prostate Cancer
Hormonal Therapy
There are several different hormonal therapies:
LHRH analogs, antiandrogens and estrogen are medical hormonal therapy for prostate
cancer. Orchiectomy is surgical hormonal therapy. Testosterone and other male hormones
(called
androgens) help prostate cancer cells grow. The goal of hormonal
therapy for prostate cancer is to shrink prostate tumors or slow tumor growth by
lowering the levels of male hormones in the body. Sometimes hormonal therapy for
prostate cancer is used after radiation therapy or surgery to prevent the cancer
from coming back. If the prostate cancer has spread, hormonal therapy can be used
to control the cancer for a period of time.
LHRH Agonists
Most men choose LHRH agonists over surgery to remove the testicles. These agents
are also known as GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonists or analogs.
Your doctor may select ELIGARD® (leuprolide acetate for injectable
suspension), an LHRH analog approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for
the management of the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. ELIGARD is not a cure
for prostate cancer.
Antiandrogens
Another category of hormonal drugs is the antiandrogens, which block the function
of male hormones (androgens) by competing for the androgens' receptors. Antiandrogens
do not lower testosterone and frequently are used in combination with LHRH agonists.
Orchiectomy
Orchiectomy, also called surgical castration, is the surgical removal of the testicles,
which produce most of the body's testosterone.
Estrogen Therapy
For many years, estrogens were the primary medical treatment for metastatic prostate
cancer. In the past 20 years, LHRH agonists have replaced estrogen as the main therapy
for advance disease.
|
Hormonal Therapies and Primary Side Effects |
|
Type of Therapy |
How It Is Given |
What It Does |
Is It Permanent? |
Some Possible Side Effects |
|
LHRH Agonist Therapy |
Shot (injection) once in 1, 3, 4, or 6 month shots or annual surgical implant |
Blocks production of testosterone |
No |
Hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, weakening of bones, anemia, weight gain, fatigue,
depression, loss of muscle mass, breast tenderness and enlargement, lower levels
of cholesterol |
|
Antiandrogen Therapy |
One or two pills taken one to three times a day |
Blocks the androgen receptor, but does not lower testosterone |
No |
Mild diarrhea, nausea, liver problems, fatigue |
|
Surgery (Orchiectomy) |
Removes the testicles through surgery |
Reduces the body's production of testosterone by more than 90% |
Yes |
Hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, weakening of bones, anemia, weight gain, fatigue,
depression, loss of muscle mass, breast tenderness and enlargement, lower levels
of cholesterol |
|
Estrogen therapy |
A pill taken 1-3 times a day |
Reduces production of testosterone |
No |
Blood clots, causes a decrease in libido and impotence, can cause breast enlargement |
|
- What are the treatment choices for my stage of prostate cancer?
- What are the expected benefits of each therapy?
- What are the risks and side effects of each therapy?
- How will I know if my prostate cancer treatment is working?
- What are my other choices?
- How can side effects be managed?
- Are there new prostate cancer treatments under study?
- Would a
clinical trial be appropriate for me?
- How is prostate cancer treatment likely to affect my sex life?
- Am I likely to have urinary problems?
- Am I likely to have bowel problems?
- Will I need to change my normal activities? If so, for how long?
- What if the prostate cancer comes back after my initial treatment?
- Where can I find more information on prostate cancer?
- How will my future look after treatment?
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Remember, Eligard is available by Rx only and your doctor is the single best
source of information regarding you and your health.
Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health or your medication.
