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Endometrial Cancer Hormone Therapy

Endometrial cancer originates in the lining of the uterus. As the development and spread of endometrial cancer is largely reliant on the presence of estrogen in the body, hormone therapy is normally administered following surgery to reduce the possibility of cancer recurring in the future.

  1. Endometrial Cancer

    • According to MedlinePlus, age is a major risk factor for the development of endometrial cancer. Most cases of the disease affect women who are between the ages of 60 and 70, with cases affecting someone younger than 40 being extremely rare. Symptoms include abnormal or excessively heavy bleeding, localized pain in the lower abdomen, or whitish discharge from the vagina occurring after menopause.

    Endometrial Cancer Treatment

    • When the cancer is caught early, surgery is an effective treatment method, removing the ovaries entirely. In other cases, chemotherapy or radiation are both effective alternative measures, consisting of the application of drugs or high levels of targeted radiation used to destroy the cancerous cells.

    Hormone Therapy

    • According to the American Cancer Society, the goal of hormone therapy in treating endometrial cancer is to reduce the body's level of estrogen to reduce the chances that the cancer will redevelop in the future, or slow the spread of existing cancer cells until they can be effectively dealt with through the other treatment methods.

    Hormone Therapy Medications

    • According to the ACS, the main drugs used in hormone therapy are progestins. These drugs act to reduce circulating estrogen levels within the body, slowing the development of cancer cells. Another medication commonly used is tamoxifen, which is a drug used most often to combat breast cancer, although it can also operate to prevent estrogen from stimulating the growth of cancer cells. A third prescription alternative are drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, which force the ovaries to produce less estrogen. Side effects from these medications include menopausal-like symptoms, including hot flashes, weight gain, vaginal dryness and possibly decreased bone density.

    Hormone Therapy Methods

    • In addition to prescribing medications to change the hormone balance of the body, other more drastic measures might need to be taken. According to the ACS, additional options for combating endometrial cancer with hormone therapy include either removing the ovaries surgically or utilizing targeted radiation therapy to render the ovaries disabled, removing the body's main source of estrogen production.

    Experimental Treatment

    • New drug classes are being studied all the time for their potential benefit in hormone therapy for endometrial cancer. According to the ACS, one class of drugs with potential is called aromatase inhibitors. These drugs act to prevent the conversion of other substances to estrogen, further reducing the body's natural levels. Side effects include muscle aches and hot flashes.

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