Hormone therapy for Prostate Cancer

Overview

Hormones are basically chemicals that are responsible for carrying out various functions in the body. These hormones are produced in the endocrine gland and get transported with the help of blood to other organs.

Hormones control different functions of the body such as metabolism, growth and development, regulation of blood pressure, regulation of sugar, maintenance of electrolyte balance in the body, temperature, maintaining sleep and wake cycle, managing moods, sexual function, reproduction, etc and any minor changes in the level of the hormones can make a significant difference in the body function that might require medical treatment.

Hormone therapy

Hormones are naturally produced in the body that controls the growth & development and different functions of the body. The prostate gland is exclusively present in males and responsible for the nutrition and transportation of sperm. Testosterone is the male hormone that regulates the production of sperm. People suffering from prostate cancer usually experience high levels of testosterone for which hormone therapy is required in order to block or lower the amount of testosterone in the body.

Hormone therapy will not cure prostate cancer soon but it can lower the risk of having prostate cancer if cured along with other treatment methods. Also, it can help in shrinking prostate tumors and lower their growth.

How does it work?

Hormone therapy works either by preventing the body from making androgens or blocking its effect also as mentioned earlier it helps in reducing the number of testosterone levels and lowers cancer growth.

Hormones in the case of prostate cancer work as fuel and block the hormones or restrict it, in such cases make the cancerous cell gets in shock and dies. According to various research, it is seen that in about 85 to 90% of cases of advanced prostate cancer hormone therapy has helped in shrinking the tumor.

Types of hormone therapy

The type of hormones that are to be used depends upon the type of cancer it's spread along with the type of treatment the person is going through. There are cases in which more than one type of hormone therapy might be required.

Basically there are three main types of hormone therapy for prostate cancer that includes :

• Injections
• Surgery to remove testicles
• Tablets

Advantages of hormone therapy

• Hormone therapy is more effective when it is used along with other treatment methods as its efficacy increases to a great extent.
• Helps in maintaining the symptoms in case of Advanced prostate cancer.
• Helps in reducing the size of the tumor by shrinking it.
• A quite an effective way to control the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

Disadvantages of hormone therapy

• Just like other therapies, it might show some side effects.
• Hormone therapy alone is not capable enough to treat prostate cancer but it can help in keeping it in control or from spreading and shrinking it.

Hormone therapy for a prostate cancer success rate

Hormone therapy in the case of prostate cancer has worked dramatically as to various doctors and oncologists. It has helped in confining the spread of cancer and also helps with the pain. In case of prostate cancer, it requires male hormones such as androgens and testosterone in order to grow and replicate.

Therefore, if these hormones are restricted in such cases there is about a 90 to 95% of chance that hormone therapy can shrink the tumor, restrict it from spreading and help to maintain the symptoms.

How long can a man stay on hormone therapy?

Since, hormone therapy can help in the treatment of prostate cancer, it is used as an effective treatment therapy before the doctor uses radiotherapy. The doctor generally recommends hormone therapy for 6 months before they go for radiotherapy. Hormone therapy even during and after the radiotherapy can be done up to 3 years.

Further, the doctor recommends hormone therapy even after treating prostate cancer for 1 to 2 years in order to minimize the risk of side effects and recurrence of prostate cancer.

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are looking for Oncology treatment in India or hormone therapy then be assured, we will assist you and guide you throughout your medical treatment and will be physically present with you even before it begins.

The following will be provided to you:

• Expert physicians, doctors, oncologist, healthcare professionals
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated assistance and support
• Prior appointments with specialists and follow up queries
• Assistance with laboratory tests
• Hormone therapy
• Radiation therapy
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Rehabilitation
• Travel arrangements
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

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