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According to the American Cancer Society, hormone therapy, also called endocrine therapy, is a type of systemic cancer treatment that blocks or removes a specific hormone from the body. This treatment procedure is mainly recommended in some types of cancers where cancer cells use the body's hormones to fuel their growth. This therapy may stop the growth of cancerous cells by:
Inhibiting the production of the hormone
Preventing the hormone from attaching to cancer cells
Disrupting the hormone function
This therapy can be administered at home or in a doctor's office or hospital, depending on the type of endocrine treatment.
It can be delivered orally in pill, capsule, or liquid form. Most oral hormone therapies that doctors prescribe can be taken at home on a regular schedule.
It can be administered via an intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
Sometimes oncologists recommend surgery in certain cancers to remove the organs that generate hormones. For example, to treat breast cancer, the ovaries may be removed to stop estrogen production (ovarian ablation). Testicles may be removed to decrease testosterone levels to treat prostate cancer (bilateral orchiectomy). The surgery is done by a specialist surgeon at a hospital.
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, various forms of cancer that benefit from this treatment are as follows:
The growth of breast cancer cells depends on the hormone estrogen and/or progesterone. Hormone therapy blocks the hormone from attaching to the receptor site of cancerous cells, which inhibits the growth of cancer cells.
Male hormones called androgens are usually responsible for prostate cancer growth. This treatment procedure lowers the level of androgens to decrease the growth of prostate cancer.
This therapy is usually given after thyroid cancer surgery to decrease the growth of remaining cancer cells in the body. It also fulfills the normal bodily requirement of hormones.
Adrenal cancer produces excessive hormones. Hormonal therapy in adrenal cancer may be given before, during, and after the other treatments to control the hormone levels.
Hormone therapy in the neuroendocrine tumor is used to control the symptoms and decrease the growth of cancer.
Pituitary gland tumor reduces the secretion of hormones. Hormone replacement therapy is used to maintain normal levels of hormones.
Hormone therapy reduces the growth of certain types of uterine cancer, where cancer cells' growth depends on estrogen and progesterone.
Hormones are chemical messengers that control and regulate various biological activities, including growth, development, and reproduction. Hormone therapy for cancer treatment changes the level and function of hormones that may cause several side effects. These side effects may vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, type, and dose.
The common side effects of the hormone therapy include:
Hot flashes and night sweat
Weight gain
Fragile bones (Osteoporosis)
Mood changes
Fatigue
Low sexual drive
Vagina dryness, itching, and irritation
Altered memory
Infertility
While some side effects disappear at the end of treatment, others may last for a long time. The side effects can be monitored and managed by your health care team during follow-up care which includes regular physical examination and medical tests.
Here are some questions you might want to ask your doctor about hormone treatment for cancer:
What type of hormone therapy do I require and why?
How does this specific hormone therapy work?
Do I need any additional treatment apart from hormonal treatment?
When will I start my hormone therapy?
Will it be before, during, or after other cancer treatments?
Could my dose of hormone therapy alter over time?
What will be the possible (short and long-term) side effects of hormone therapy for cancer?
Could hormone therapy affect my ability to work, exercise, or perform any daily activities?
Will it affect my sex life? If so, for how long?
Could hormone therapy affect my ability to have children? If so, should I consult with a fertility specialist before the treatment?
Whom should I talk with about any side effects when I experience them?
Who should I call with my questions or problems? How can I reach them during and after regular hours?
How will we know if hormone therapy is working?
Will I need any scans or tests during or after hormonal therapy?
A detailed talk with your healthcare provider will help you understand possible side effects and what you can do to manage them better. If you develop any new or worsening medical issues, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible, even if you think your symptoms are not severe or unrelated to hormone therapy. It is essential to work with your healthcare team to manage side effects during and after the treatment process to maintain your safety, well-being, and quality of life.
The cancer specialists at ACTC in Florida offer outstanding patient care by providing personalized and evidence-based treatment plans tailored to individual patients' needs. We aim to foster a positive environment that focuses on physical and mental health throughout a cancer patient's journey.
One can consult with the ACTC providers listed below:
MD, Hematology & Oncology
MD, Ph.D., Hematology/ Medical Oncology
MD, Radiation Oncologist
352-345-4565
Schedule a consultation by calling
352-345-4565
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