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Prostate Cancer: Hormone Therapy
Hormone treatment (also called androgen deprivation therapy or androgen suppression therapy) removes, blocks, or adds hormones to treat prostate cancer. Hormones are chemical substances produced by glands in the body that enter the bloodstream and affect other tissues.
Why Is Hormone Treatment Used for Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer grows when exposed to the male hormone testosterone and its related hormones, called androgens. Hormone treatment for prostate cancer is used to stop the production of testosterone and all androgens either temporarily or permanently.
Hormone treatments can be given in many ways. Injections or pills are one method. Drugs can stop the testicles from producing testosterone and protect cells from any other androgens that remain in the body. Hormone medications may include:
- The use of various hormones such as estrogen to counter the effects of testosterone.
- The use of drugs that lower testosterone levels or block the activity of male hormones in the body. These include antiandrogen agents, lutenizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs, or agonists.
- The use of combined hormone therapy that decreases testosterone production from the testicles as well as from glands located on the kidneys, called adrenal glands, that produce hormones.
Hormone treatment may also include surgical removal of the testicles (called orchiectomy) where testosterone is produced. This prevents male hormones from further stimulating the growth of the prostate cancer.
When Is Hormone Treatment Used for Prostate Cancer?
Hormone treatment is primarily used if prostate cancer has spread outside the prostate. It does not cure cancer. The purpose of hormone therapy is first to delay the progression of the cancer, and second, to increase survival while maximizing quality of life.
If a patient doesn't respond to initial hormone treatment, a doctor may try other hormonal methods before recommending chemotherapy.
Who Is a Candidate for Hormone Treatment?
Hormone treatment can be used in men with various degrees of prostate cancer. For example, it is often used in men after surgery for better results, as well as in men who don't want to have any other type of treatment. Factors to consider are quality of life, cost of the treatment, and how effective and safe hormone treatment may be in a particular case.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Urological
Institute.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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