MediGence: Enabling Better Health Decisions

Hormonal therapy is a type of treatment option which the doctor uses to manage various types of cancers. The doctor uses this therapy in those types of cancers that are sensitive to alteration in levels of hormones. Such cancer includes breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. Hormonal therapy is also known as endocrine therapy, hormone withdrawal therapy, or hormone manipulation therapy. It is important to note that hormonal replacement therapy is not a hormonal therapy. The doctor does not recommend hormone replacement therapy for the management of cancer. Replacement therapy is to treat various post-menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

Hormonal therapy uses various means to reduce or prevent the secretion of certain hormones resulting in slowing or preventing the growth of cancer cells. Oncologists may use this therapy along with other treatment options, including radiation therapy or surgery. The doctor may use hormonal therapy before radiation therapy to shrink the size of the tumor so that radiation therapy is given in a limited area, thereby reducing the side effects. Similarly, hormonal therapy is given before surgical removal of the tumor to minimize the surgery-related complications. Oncologists may also use hormonal therapy along with the main therapy to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence.

You can expect the following before hormonal therapy:

You may under a complete health evaluation to determine if hormonal therapy is suitable for you.
The doctor will discuss with you the various options for having hormonal therapy and their advantages and disadvantages. This will help you in making informed decisions.
If you have any concerns about the procedure, side effects, and recovery, you may ask the doctor.
The doctor may perform image testing to determine the frequency of hormonal therapy.

There are various types of hormone therapy. The type of hormonal therapy depends upon the type and severity of cancer. The types of hormonal therapy are:

Surgery: Your doctor may perform the surgery to either completely remove the gland or prevent them from producing hormones. For example, removing the ovaries leads to a reduction in estrogen levels that can manage breast cancer. Similarly, the removal of testicles lowers the level of testosterone in the body and manages prostate cancer.
Radiotherapy: The doctor may use radiation therapy to damage the tissues that are producing hormones. For example, the doctor may damage the ovaries through radiation to prevent the progression of breast cancer.
Hormonal drug therapy: The hormone-dependent cancer cells have receptors on their surface. The hormones present in the serum attach to those receptors and initiates the uncontrolled growth of these cells. The hormone drug therapy either prevents the synthesis of hormones or alters the way these hormones work. Following are some of the hormone drugs for cancer:
Thyroid hormones: Your doctor may prescribe thyroid hormones to prevent the recurrence of thyroid tumors after radiotherapy or surgery.
Corticosteroids: Dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and methylprednisolone may be effective in multiple myeloma and leukemia.
Sex hormones: Sex hormones prevent the growth of tumors in males and females. Androgen drugs (Fluoxymesterone), anti-estrogen drugs (tamoxifen), aromatase inhibitors (letrozole), Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists (buserelin), and Progestin (medroxyprogesterone) are used to treat breast cancer. Anti-estrogens and aromatase inhibitors are also used to manage ovarian cancer. The doctor may also prescribe estrogen, anti-androgen (flutamide), and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists (degarelix) to manage prostate cancer.

Various factors may affect your recovery after hormone therapy. These are side effects, type of hormone therapy, and health status. Your healthcare team will provide certain instructions about your recovery that you need to follow. The staff may call you for a routine visit to determine the response and tolerability of hormonal therapy. You may be able to manage most side effects through medications.