Hormone Therapy For Treatment Of Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer growth can be temporarily slowed by hormone therapy. Prostate cancer growth is partially dependent on testosterone, a hormone produced by the testicles and adrenal gland in men. Hormone therapy can stop the production of testosterone, or block attachment of testosterone to prostate cancer cells. Hormone therapy can, therefore, temporarily slow the progression of the cancer. Prostate cancer usually escapes the need for testosterone over time and starts growing rapidly despite hormone therapy. This type of prostate cancer is called “hormone refractory prostate cancer”. TYPES OF MEDICATIONS USED IN HORMONE THERAPY Leutenizing Hormone (LHRH) Agonists:  These are hormones that are given by injection or long release implants.  These formulations mimic a similar hormone produced by the human brain (LHRH).  Constantly elevated or  higher than normal levels of LHRH in the body, as achieved by injection or implantation of these medications, stop the testicles from making testosterone.  Examples of such medications are Luprolide (LUPRON and VIADUR), Goserelide (ZOLADEX), Histerlin (VANTAS).  These medication are formulated to be administered once a month or every three, every four, or every 12 months. Leutenizing Hormone (LHRH) Antagonists:  These are medications that stop the brain from producing LHRH, thereby preventing the testicles from making testosterone.   Examples of such medications are Abarelix (PLENAXIS). Testosterone Receptor Blockade:  These medications do not stop the production of testosterone.  But they do not allow testosterone to enter the prostate cancer cell.   Subsequently, they stop testosterone from helping the growth/multiplication of the prostate cancer cells.  Examples of such medications are Bicalutamide (CASODEX) or Flutamide (EULEXIN). Alpha Reductase Inhibitors:  These medications stop the conversion of testosterone to 5-hydrotestosterone, which is a more potent form of testosterone.  These medications are used in the treatment of benign, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate (a condition known as BPH).  However, some believed that these medications may aid in prostate cancer treatment, by preventing the formation of the more potent form of testosterone, 5-hyrdotestosterone.  Examples of such medications are Finasteride (PROSCAR) or Dutasteride (AVODART).   Advantages of Hormone Therapy Hormone therapy may delay the growth and progression of prostate cancer.  There are a number of situations that hormone therapy may be advantageous: 1.        In men who are older and may have a life expectancy of less than ten years due to other illnesses, it is reasonable to slow down the cancer rather than curing it.   Therefore, hormone therapy can be used in these patients with minimal side effects. 2.        Advanced cancer of the prostate that has spread to other organs such as bone or lymph nodes is no longer curable.  In these patients hormone therapy may slow down the progression of the cancer, help prolong a patient’s life, delay the need for chemotherapy, prevent painful side effects of the cancer, and improve a patient’s quality of life. 3.        Use of hormone therapy in conjunction with radiation therapy may be more effective than radiation alone.  Patients who have elected radiation as a form of therapy and have aggressive cancers (such as gleason scores 7, 8, 9, 10) may benefit from hormone therapy in conjunction with radiation or seed implantation.  These patients generally undergo three months of hormone therapy prior to initiation of radiation.   They continue with hormone therapy for another three to six months after completion of radiation. 4.        Patients with early stage prostate cancer who need more time to decide on a therapy or to proceed with treatment. Many men with prostate cancer would like to have time to research their treatment options in detail before undergoing definitive therapy.   Others may have already made a decision, but need to delay the final therapy for personal reasons.  In such situations, hormone therapy can be used temporarily to slow down the cancer, while the patient reaches his final decision or needs to tend to other personal matters. Disadvantages of Hormone Therapy Side effects of hormone therapy include hot flashes, weight gain, decreased energy, and loss of sexual drive.  Some patients may also develop breast enlargement, depressed mood, and impotency.  Prolonged exposure to hormone therapy may increase the risk for bone density loss such osteoporosis.  Some men complain that even after stopping hormone therapy, they are no longer able to achieve an erection.