Hormone therapy (also called endocrine therapy) is a type of cancer treatment that targets specific hormones and is designed to slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers. Some cancers (such as breast, prostate, and endometrial cancer) rely on hormones to grow. By blocking these hormones or reducing their concentration in the body, hormonal therapy can help control cancer progression, improve patient outcomes, and become an important component of both curative and supportive cancer care.

 

How hormone therapy works

Hormone treatments work by disrupting the hormonal signals needed by cancer cells. There are two main methods:

1. Block hormone receptors

Some drugs bind to hormone receptors on the surface of cancer cells, preventing hormones like estrogen or testosterone from stimulating cancer cell growth. For example, tamoxifen, a drug commonly used to treat breast cancer, blocks the binding of estrogen to cancer cell receptors, thereby inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

2. Reduce hormone levels

Another approach is to reduce hormone levels in the body, thus ” starving ” the cancer cells. For example, aromatase inhibitors are used to reduce estrogen production in postmenopausal women and are often used to treat breast cancer; while luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone ( LHRH ) drugs can reduce testosterone levels in prostate cancer patients, thereby inhibiting tumors. growth.

 

Main types of cancer for which hormone therapy is used

Hormone therapy is mainly used for hormone-dependent cancers, including:

• Breast cancer : Many breast cancers are estrogen receptor-positive ( ER+ ), meaning they depend on estrogen for growth. Hormone treatments such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors can inhibit the growth of these cancer cells by blocking or reducing estrogen production.

• Prostate cancer : Prostate cancer cells often rely on testosterone to grow. Hormone treatments, including androgen deprivation therapy ( ADT ), can slow disease progression by lowering testosterone levels or preventing its action on prostate cancer cells.

• Endometrial cancer : Certain types of endometrial (uterine) cancer are also sensitive to hormonal treatments, especially if surgery is not possible. Medications such as progestins can help control cancer progression.

 

Benefits and considerations of hormone therapy

Benefits of hormone therapy include:

1. Reduce the risk of cancer recurrence

Hormone therapy may be used after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back, especially for hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer.

2. Palliative treatment of advanced cancer

For advanced or metastatic cancer, hormonal therapy can slow the progression of the disease, reduce symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life.

3. Non-invasive and complementary treatments

Unlike surgery or radiation therapy, hormonal therapy is a systemic treatment, usually given as an oral pill or injection, that is suitable as an adjuvant treatment and is less invasive.

However, hormone therapy can also cause side effects such as hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, fatigue, and reduced bone density. Regular monitoring is essential to manage these side effects and adjust your treatment plan.

 

Clinical studies on hormone therapy

1. Reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that hormonal treatments, such as tamoxifen, significantly reduce the recurrence rate of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The study highlights the long-term effectiveness of hormone therapy in preventing cancer recurrence.

2. Hormone treatment for prostate cancer

A study in The Lancet Oncology found that androgen deprivation therapy ( ADT ) prolonged survival in patients with advanced prostate cancer. The study highlights the role of hormonal therapy in slowing cancer progression and extending patient survival.

3. Hormonal treatment of endometrial cancer

A study published in Gynecologic Oncology examined the use of progesterone in endometrial cancer and found that in patients who cannot undergo surgery, hormonal therapy is effective in managing the disease. This study highlights the importance of hormonal therapy in the management of endometrial cancer.

 

Conclusion

Hormone therapy is an important way to treat hormone-sensitive cancers by blocking or reducing the levels of hormones that promote cancer cell growth. As part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan, hormonal therapy improves survival, reduces the risk of recurrence, and improves patients’ quality of life. Hormonal therapies continue to play an integral role in anticancer treatment as ongoing research expands our understanding of hormone-targeted therapies.

 

Academic articles on hormonal therapy in cancer treatment

1. Fisher, B., et al.(1998). Tamoxifen versus chemotherapy in axillary node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer: Results from the NSABP
B-20 trial. New England Journal of Medicine , 339 (21) , 1559-1566 . DOI:10.1056/NEJM199811193392101

2. James, ND, et al.(2015). Effects of adding docetaxel, zoledronic acid, or both to first-line long-term hormonal therapy on prostate cancer ( STAMPEDE trial): a multi-stage, multi-group platform randomized Survival results from controlled trials. The Lancet Oncology , 16 (15) , 1655-1666 . DOI:10.1016/S1470-2045(15)00489-3

3. Thigpen, JT, et al.(1999). High-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate in advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer: a phase II trial from the Gynecologic Oncology Group. Gynecologic Oncology , 74 (2) , 254-257 . DOI: 10.1006/gyno.1999.5507

 

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition or medical problems. The content of this article is not intended to recommend any specific test, treatment, or medication and should not be considered such advice. If you develop symptoms or require medical assistance, please contact a medical professional promptly.