What is Hormonal Therapy?
Some cancers, like breast and prostate cancer, rely on hormones to grow. Hormonal therapy (or endocrine therapy) works by blocking or lowering hormone levels to slow down or stop cancer growth.
How Does Hormonal Therapy Work?
There are two main approaches:
- Blocking Hormone Receptors: Drugs like tamoxifen (for breast cancer) prevent estrogen from binding to cancer cells.
- Lowering Hormone Production: Aromatase inhibitors (like letrozole) reduce estrogen levels, while androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) reduces testosterone in prostate cancer.
When is it Used?
- Breast Cancer (ER-positive, PR-positive): Estrogen-blocking drugs help prevent recurrence.
- Prostate Cancer: ADT is often combined with radiation or chemotherapy.
Common Side Effects:
- Hot flashes
- Weight gain
- Bone thinning (osteoporosis)
- Mood changes
Despite these side effects, hormonal therapy can significantly reduce cancer recurrence and improve long-term survival.
💡 Tip: Patients on long-term hormonal therapy should consider weight-bearing exercises and calcium supplements to maintain bone health.