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Prostate cancer is among the most diagnosed cancers in men, particularly with advancing age. A diagnosis can often feel confusing and stressful, especially when patients and their families are introduced to complex medical terms and multiple treatment choices. One treatment option that is frequently discussed is hormone therapy for prostate cancer, also known as Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT).
In this blog, Dr. Dushyant Pawar, a trusted urologist in Ahmedabad, explains hormone therapy in clear and simple language. He shares how this treatment works, who may benefit from it, and what patients can realistically expect during and after therapy, helping readers make informed decisions with confidence.
Table of Contents
What Is Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer?
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer is a treatment designed to reduce or block the hormones that fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. The prostate gland needs male hormones, especially testosterone, to grow. These hormones can also help cancer cells grow and spread. By lowering the level of these hormones in the body or blocking their effects, hormone therapy slows down or sometimes shrinks cancer.
The most common hormone therapy used in prostate cancer is called Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT). Androgens such as testosterone are produced mainly in the testicles and reducing them can starve the cancer cells of the fuel they need to grow. Hormone treatment for prostate cancer can be given through injections, pills, or surgery.
How Does Androgen Deprivation Therapy Work?
Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) works by lowering the level of androgens in the body or preventing them from reaching the prostate cancer cells. Androgens are male hormones, and testosterone is the most well-known of them. Testosterone encourages prostate cancer cells to grow. ADT either stops the testicles from making testosterone or blocks testosterone from reaching the cancer cells.
There are several ways ADT is given:
- Medications (LHRH agonists or antagonists): These medicines reduce testosterone production in the testicles. They are usually given as monthly or quarterly injections.
- Anti-androgen pills: These block androgens from attaching to cancer cells, preventing them from using the hormone.
- Surgical removal of the testicles (orchiectomy): This is a less common approach today, but it effectively reduces testosterone production quickly.
Dr. Dushyant Pawar often recommends hormone therapy for patients based on the stage of the disease, age, overall health, and how aggressive cancer appears. Not every patient with prostate cancer needs ADT, but for many, it plays an important role in managing the disease.
Who Should Consider ADT Therapy for Prostate Cancer?
Patients with prostate cancer may be advised to undergo hormone therapy for several reasons. Understanding whether ADT is right for you starts with knowing the stage and grade of your cancer.
1) Advanced or Metastatic Prostate Cancer
For men diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer, where the disease has spread beyond the prostate gland to other areas of the body, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plays a crucial role in treatment. By reducing testosterone levels, ADT helps slow the progression of cancer cells, manage symptoms effectively, and improve quality of life by keeping the disease under control for a longer period.
2) High-Risk Localised Prostate Cancer
If your cancer is still in the prostate but is considered high risk due to a high PSA level or aggressive tumour grade, hormone therapy may be combined with radiation therapy to improve outcomes.
3) Before or After Radiation Therapy
Sometimes, hormone treatment is given before radiation to shrink the tumour or after to reduce the chance of cancer returning.
4) Recurrence After Surgery
If the cancer comes back after prostate surgery, hormone therapy might be introduced to control the disease.
However, Dr. Dushyant Pawar always emphasises individualised care. Hormone therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and possible side effects to determine if ADT is appropriate for your specific case.
What Are the Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer?
The main goal of hormone therapy is to reduce the amount of testosterone in the body or block it from affecting prostate cancer cells. The benefits include:
Slowing Cancer Growth
By reducing testosterone, hormone therapy can slow the growth of prostate cancer cells. This may help prolong life, especially in advanced cases.
Improving Symptoms
For patients with advanced prostate cancer, ADT can help reduce symptoms like bone pain or urinary problems by slowing the cancer’s growth.
Delaying Progression
ADT may delay the progression of cancer, giving patients more time with stable disease and fewer complications.
Working With Other Treatments
Hormone therapy is often used along with radiation or chemotherapy to increase treatment effectiveness. For many high-risk patients, combining treatments leads to better outcomes.
While hormone therapy does not cure prostate cancer on its own, it can be a powerful tool to control the disease, improve quality of life, and extend survival.
Are There Side Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy?
Like all treatments, hormone treatment for prostate cancer has potential side effects. Not every patient will experience all of these, but it’s important to be aware of them so you can recognise and manage them with your health care team.
Common Side Effects:
- Hot flashes: Many men experience sudden warmth, sweating, and flushing.
- Low libido and erectile dysfunction: Decreased testosterone can affect sexual desire and performance.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or low on energy is common.
- Bone thinning (osteoporosis): Lower testosterone can weaken bones, making fractures more likely.
- Muscle loss and weight gain: Changes in body composition may occur.
- Mood changes: Some men report feelings of depression or irritability.
Less Common but Important Concerns:
- Metabolic changes: There may be an increased risk of diabetes or heart disease.
- Memory or cognitive changes: Some men notice difficulty with memory or concentration.
Dr. Dushyant Pawar prioritizes Prostate Health by thoroughly explaining the possible side effects before initiating ADT therapy for prostate cancer. He emphasizes regular monitoring and preventive measures such as physical activity, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and appropriate medications to support bone health and minimize potential risks.
How Long Will Hormone Therapy Be Needed?
The duration of hormone therapy (ADT) depends on several factors, including the stage and aggressiveness of prostate cancer, the patient’s overall health, and how effectively the treatment works. In some cases, short-term hormone therapy for a few months may be recommended, especially when used alongside radiation therapy. Patients with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer may require long-term or ongoing ADT.
Throughout the treatment, doctors closely track progress using the PSA Test, along with symptom evaluation and overall health assessments. Regular PSA Test results help determine how well the cancer is responding and guide decisions on continuing or adjusting therapy. Consistent follow-ups and clear communication with your healthcare team ensure a personalised and effective treatment approach.
Final Thoughts
Hormone therapy, especially Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), is a key treatment option for many men diagnosed with prostate cancer. It works by reducing hormone levels that support cancer growth, helping to slow disease progression and relieve symptoms. Although hormone therapy may have side effects, most can be effectively managed with proper medical supervision and Regular Urological Check-Ups.
If you or a loved one is facing prostate cancer, consulting a specialist like Dr. Dushyant Pawar can help you understand whether hormone therapy is suitable for your condition. Early discussions about benefits, risks, and treatment expectations empower patients to make informed decisions. When used appropriately, hormone therapy plays a significant role in managing prostate cancer and supporting long-term health and quality of life.
