Endocrine therapy

Endocrine therapy is a form of medical treatment that manipulates the endocrine system to achieve a desired therapeutic effect. It is often used in the treatment of hormone-responsive cancers, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, by reducing the production or blocking the action of certain hormones.

Overview

Endocrine therapy is a key component of many cancer treatment regimens. It works by altering the body's production or use of hormones, which are chemical messengers that can stimulate or inhibit cell growth. In hormone-responsive cancers, such as certain types of breast and prostate cancer, hormones can promote the growth and spread of cancer cells. By blocking the production or action of these hormones, endocrine therapy can slow or stop the growth of the cancer.

Types of Endocrine Therapy

There are several types of endocrine therapy, including:

• Hormone receptor blockers: These drugs block the action of hormones at their receptor sites on cancer cells. Examples include tamoxifen and fulvestrant for breast cancer, and flutamide and bicalutamide for prostate cancer.

• Hormone production inhibitors: These drugs inhibit the production of certain hormones in the body. Examples include aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane for breast cancer, and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists such as leuprolide and goserelin for prostate cancer.

• Surgical removal of hormone-producing glands: In some cases, surgery may be performed to remove glands that produce hormones that stimulate cancer growth. This is often done for prostate cancer (removal of the testicles, or orchiectomy) and breast cancer (removal of the ovaries, or oophorectomy).

Side Effects

Like all medical treatments, endocrine therapy can have side effects. These can vary depending on the specific type of therapy used, but may include hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, bone loss, and mood changes. Patients should discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

See Also

• Cancer treatment
• Hormone therapy
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer

Endocrine therapy Resources
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