Hormone therapy is a treatment for prostate cancer that involves the deprivation of male sex hormones, especially in cases where the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. Learn more.
What Is Hormone Therapy in Prostate Cancer?
Types of Hormone Therapy
There are different approaches to hormone therapy in prostate cancer, each with its own methods and applications.
- LHRH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) agonists and antagonists: This is the most common method for hormonal blockade in prostate cancer. They can be in the form of injections or implants.
- Anti-androgen medications: Anti-androgens block the action of hormones directly in the prostate gland, preventing testosterone from reaching cancer cells. They are oral medications usually used before or during LHRH agonist treatment.
- Other androgen-blocking medications: In resistant cases of the disease or cancer recurrence, medications like corticosteroids can be used to suppress testosterone in the body.
- Orchiectomy: A surgical intervention that involves the removal of the testicles, the main source of testosterone.
How Is Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer Done?
Treatment of prostate cancer through hormone therapy can be carried out with:
- Injections
- Implants
- Oral medications
- Surgical procedure
Many patients wonder what the name of the injection for prostate cancer is, since this is a common indication for hormone therapy. Generally, they use as active ingredients leuprolide and goserelin to suppress testosterone production.
How Long Does It Last?
The duration of hormone therapy is a highly variable issue that depends on the patient’s response and the stage of the cancer.
In some cases, the treatment is used for short periods to prepare the patient for radiotherapy, while in others, the treatment is prolonged, lasting for years.
For advanced-stage prostate cancer, the therapy can be continuous, maintaining hormonal blockade until the cancer stops responding to medications.
For Which Patients Is the Treatment Recommended?
Hormonal therapy is most indicated for patients with advanced prostate cancer, with metastasis, in order to reduce the size of the tumor.
The treatment is also recommended for men with elevated or increasing PSA levels during other therapies, and can also be applied to men with a high probability of disease recurrence.
Side Effects
The side effects of hormone therapy in prostate cancer can be challenging for patients.
As the therapy reduces testosterone levels, this can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, fatigue, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, and mood changes.
The impacts can also affect sexual life, as erectile dysfunction caused by the absence of testosterone is common.
There are also more severe side effects that require specific care, such as osteoporosis, anemia, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
Why Can Hormone Therapy Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction occurs because testosterone, one of the main male hormones, is fundamental for male sexual life.
When the production of this hormone is blocked, libido and erectile function can be drastically reduced, meaning that, despite its effectiveness in controlling prostate cancer, hormone therapy can impact male sexual function.
How to Deal with Erectile Dysfunction in Cases of Prostate Cancer?
Erectile dysfunction, when present, should be evaluated by a doctor who can indicate appropriate therapeutic approaches for each case.
By consulting a urologist, it is possible to evaluate the possibility of using oral or injectable medications that help increase blood flow to the penis and lead to an erection. If there is fibrosis or poor vascularization, it is necessary to consider the insertion of a penile prosthesis after reconstruction of the member with the Egydio Technique.
In addition, sexual therapy and partner support are fundamental to help the patient deal with changes and adapt to a new reality.
Understanding what hormone therapy in prostate cancer is goes far beyond knowing how it acts in tumor control. It is necessary to deal with anxieties and impact, including on sexual life.
Specialized medical follow-up is essential to assist patients in facing this moment with confidence and security. Seek specialized medical guidance for appropriate follow-up and support in all phases of treatment.
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