Advanced Metastatic Prostate Cancer Hormone Treatments

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that occurs in men. The term "metastatic" means that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.

Why

• Testosterone and other hormones found in men can increase the growth of prostate cancer cells. For this reason hormone therapy is needed to reduce cancerous cells.

Surgery

• In some cases surgery is useful in hormone therapy. Surgery involves removing the testicles, which produce large amounts of testosterone. This procedure is called an orchidectomy.

Injected Medications

• Injections are used to stop the "messenger" hormone, luteinising, from telling the testicles to produce testosterone. The injections contain LHRH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone).

Oral Medications

• Oral medications called anti-androgens are given to counteract the side effects of surgery and injections. They are also paired with other medications to reduce testosterone levels.

Side Effects

• Side effects of this hormone therapy include depression, reduced bone substance, changes in breast tissue, impotence, low sex drive, hot flashes, increased body fat, infertility, changes in hair growth, and fatigue.