Hormone therapy - Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy, primarily based on medication, is a well-established cancer treatment approach widely used in Hong Kong. This therapy mainly targets cancer cells affected by hormones, inhibiting their growth and spread by adjusting hormone levels in the body.

The growth of some cancer cells is influenced by hormones in the body, and reducing estrogen or androgen levels is often used as a treatment. Hormone therapy is primarily used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. Its principle is to slow the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting or blocking the production or action of specific hormones in the body. Treatment methods include using drugs to reduce hormone production or block the binding of hormones to cancer cell receptors, thereby inhibiting cancer progression. This therapy is often combined with surgery or radiation therapy to enhance efficacy and is personalized for different cancer types.

Hormone therapy principles

Hormone therapy for breast cancer

In breast cancer patients, if hormone receptors are present on the surface of tumor cells, it is called "hormone receptor-positive breast cancer," and these patients are suitable for hormone therapy. The principle of hormone therapy is to inhibit the production of hormones in the body and block the delivery of hormones to tumor cells, thereby inhibiting their growth. Hormone therapy is generally used after breast cancer patients undergo surgery.

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is another type of cancer that depends on hormones to grow. Therefore, using hormone drugs to suppress androgens can slow tumor growth and relieve symptoms.

Hormone therapy drugs

There are various types of medications used in hormone therapy, primarily targeting the blocking or inhibition of hormone production and action. For example, in breast cancer treatment, commonly used drugs include tamoxifen and letrozole, which inhibit tumor growth by preventing estrogen from binding to cancer cell receptors or lowering estrogen levels in the body. For prostate cancer, commonly used drugs include luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs (such as leuprorelin) and anti-androgen drugs (such as bicalutamide), which reduce or block androgen production or effects. The choice of these medications must be prescribed by a doctor based on the type of cancer and the patient's condition.

In common hormone therapy regimens in Hong Kong, medications are available in both oral and injectable forms. New medications with relatively mild side effects are also being developed. For more details, please consult your attending physician.

Side effects of hormone therapy

Common side effects of hormone therapy vary depending on the patient's gender and the type of cancer being treated.

Side effects of hormone therapy in female patients

• Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings.
• Joint pain and decreased bone density
• Fatigue and decreased physical strength

Side effects of hormone therapy in male patients

• Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction
• Weight gain
• Reduced muscle mass
• Swelling or tenderness of the breast

In addition, long-term use of hormone therapy medications may increase the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and blood clots. Doctors typically manage side effects and conduct regular monitoring based on the patient's specific situation, and provide dietary and exercise advice to reduce adverse reactions.