Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy

Prostate cancer hormone therapy is also known as androgen suppression therapy and its purpose is to remove or block hormones from the body that might cause the growth of existing cancer cells.

Hormones are chemical substances produced by glands in the body. These hormones enter the bloodstream and affect other bodily tissues. The purpose of this type of therapy is twofold: 1. Delay the cancer's progression and 2. Maximize the quality of life. It is not a cure for prostate cancer, however.

Prostate cancer is known to grow when exposed to a group of male hormones called androgens; testosterone is a major contributor. Hormone therapy is used to try and temporarily or permanently stop the production of testosterone and can be administered either by mouth or injection.

Hormone therapy may include the use of other hormones such as estrogen to counteract the effect of testosterone, anti-androgen agents to lower testosterone levels or block its affect on body tissues, or a combination of hormones in an attempt to reduce the production of testosterone in the testicles and the adrenal glands located on the kidneys.
Hormone therapy may also include surgical removal of the testicles (orchiectomy) where testosterone is produced. This will in turn prevent the male hormone from further stimulating the growth of the cancer cells.

This type of treatment is best used when the cancer has spread outside of the prostate. If the patient does not respond well to the first treatments, the physician may recommend other types of hormone therapy before recommending chemotherapy
Prostate cancer hormone therapy can be used at different stages but is often used following surgery for the best results. This type of therapy can also be used for those who, for whatever reasons, do not want any other type of treatment.

Bernie Alexander is a well known author and frequent contributor to various online article communities.

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