Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapy, known as anti-estrogen therapy, endocrine therapy, or hormone therapy, is employed to address hormone receptor-positive breast cancer at various stages. It is a form of cancer treatment that involves the removal, blocking, or addition of specific hormones to the body.

Certain types of cancer rely on the body's natural hormones to support their growth. It's essential to distinguish hormone therapy for cancer treatment from menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which are designed to address menopausal symptoms. Explore more about menopausal hormone therapy here.

This article delves into the fundamentals of hormone therapy for cancer treatment and the specific types of cancer for which it is applied. Similar to other cancer treatments, this approach may entail side effects. Discover more about the potential side effects of hormone therapy.

How is hormone therapy used to treat cancer?

Hormones, chemical messengers produced naturally by the body's glands, play a crucial role in regulating various cellular and organ activities. Circulating through the bloodstream, hormones influence processes such as growth, sexual function, reproduction, mood, and energy metabolism.

These chemicals are produced by key glands in the body, including the thyroid and parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries, and testicles. Together, these glands form the endocrine system, encompassing all hormones and their respective glands.

Hormone therapy intervenes in the body's hormonal balance in different ways, aiming to modify hormone levels. Medical tests may determine whether a cancer is responsive to hormones. Doctors may recommend hormone therapy to:

  • Prevent the body from naturally producing a hormone.
  • Alter the way a hormone functions in the body.
  • Block a hormone from binding to cancer cells.

In cancer treatment, hormone therapy is utilized alongside other modalities like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery. It may also be administered independently. The application of hormone therapy varies based on the treatment phase, including:

  • Neoadjuvant Therapy: Administered before surgery and/or radiation therapy to shrink a tumor.
  • Adjuvant Therapy: Given after initial cancer treatments to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
  • Treatment for Recurrent Cancer: Applied when cancer returns after prior treatment.
  • Management of Metastatic Cancer: Used for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

The goal of hormone therapy is contingent on the cancer type and its stage. It may aim to prevent cancer recurrence, halt or slow down cancer growth, or manage and alleviate side effects associated with cancer treatment. This supportive care, known as palliative care, is integral to overall cancer care and treatment.

Which types of cancer can benefit from hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy proves effective in controlling various cancers influenced by hormonal factors. Common cancers treated with hormone therapy include:

  • Breast Cancer: Many cases of breast cancer rely on estrogen and/or progesterone for growth. Tumors with receptors for these hormones are termed "hormone receptor-positive." Blocking or reducing the levels of these hormones, particularly estrogen, can prevent recurrence or treat metastatic cancer.
  • Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer growth is often fueled by androgens, with testosterone being the most common. Lowering androgen levels can help slow the progression of prostate cancer.
  • Thyroid Cancer: Individuals treated for thyroid cancer, typically through surgery, may require thyroid hormone therapy. This therapy replaces the hormone in the body and may impede the growth of any remaining cancer cells.

In addition to these common cancers, hormone therapy may also be recommended for less prevalent types, such as:

  • Adrenal Cancer: Tumors in the adrenal glands may produce excessive hormones. Various medications can be prescribed to regulate hormone levels before, during, or after other treatments.
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors: Hormone therapies can decelerate the growth of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and alleviate symptoms caused by the hormones released by these tumors.
  • Pituitary Gland Tumors: Tumors in the pituitary gland can impact hormone production. Hormone therapy may be necessary to replace these vital hormones.
  • Uterine Cancer: Certain types of uterine cancer cells sensitive to estrogen and progesterone can experience slowed growth with hormone therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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