Q: What about the use of hormone replacement therapy with men to slow down the growth of prostate cancer?
A: Hormone therapy, when used for treatment of prostate cancer refers to hormone deprivation, i.e. the removal of testosterone, not the replacement. Testosterone, also known as an androgen(s), can allow prostate cancer cells to grow. Lowering androgen levels can make prostate cancers shrink or grow more slowly. Hormone therapy will not cure the cancer and is not a substitute for curative treatment.
Hormone deprivation can be used in several different ways. It can be used as first course of treatment if a man is not able to have surgery or radiation. Or, it can be used if the cancer has already spread beyond the prostate gland when surgery or radiation cannot be used.
It can be used after surgery or radiation if the cancer remains or returns. Hormone therapy can also be used in addition to radiation therapy with men who are at high risk for recurrence.
There are several methods of hormone deprivation therapy:
Orchiectomy is an operation that removes the testicles. More than 90% of androgens are produced in the testicles. When the testicles are removed, most prostate cancers become smaller.
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) is injected to reduce the level of testosterone in the body. Examples of LHRH analogs are Lupron, Viadur, Eligard, Zoladex and Trelstar.
Antiandrogens inhibit the body’s ability to use androgens. Examples of antiandrogens include Eulexin, Casodex and Nilandron. Antiandrogens are often used in combination with orchiectomy or LHRH analogs.
