For U.S. Residents Only
Eligard (leuprolide acetate for injectable suspension)

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

Questions to Ask Your Doctor
  • 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?
I'm Here because…
I'm on Treatment with Eligard
I'm not on Treatment with Eligard
Someone I Care About Has Prostate Cancer
Quick Poll
I am visiting this site for information about (check all that apply):
ELIGARD
prostate cancer
getting support
giving support to a friend or loved one
ELIGARD
  
  0%
prostate cancer
  
  0%
getting support
  
  0%
giving support to a friend or loved one
  
  0%
Quick Poll
Do you have a family history
of prostate cancer?
Yes
No
Yes
  
  0%
No
  
  0%