HORMONE THERAPY
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Overview Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and is mostly made in the testicles. In the context of prostate cancer, it is testosterone that serves as the main food supply or nourishment for the prostate cancer cells. Hormone therapy is also called Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) and is the mainstay of treatment for many types of prostate cancers. If we remove the body’s testosterone, then the prostate cancer cells are deprived of their nourishment and usually shrink or die. ADT works by either blocking the effect of testosterone directly on the prostate cancer cells or stops testosterone from being produced. When is ADT used? Hormone therapy can be used to treat the following prostate cancers: • Before radiotherapy to shrink the cancer when the cancer is confined (localised) to the prostate. This is usually given for 3-6 months before radiotherapy starts and may be continued for up to 3 years after it has been completed. It is not given prior to surgery to treat localised prostate cancer • Before brachytherapy in localised prostate cancer • If the cancer is in the area just outside the prostate, it is called locally advanced prostate cancer. ADT is usually given before radiotherapy and continued during and after it has been completed. Sometimes, ADT is used on its own for locally advanced prostate cancer if radiotherapy is not appropriate • Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. ADT shrinks the cancer and slows its growth, often helping to reduce any symptoms. This is not a cure but can control the cancer for many years • If prostate cancer comes back after treatment with surgery or radiotherapy and the PSA level is rising Types of ADT There are many different types of treatments to lower the levels of testosterone.
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FIGHTING PROSTATE CANCER - A SURVIVAL GUIDE
