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Hormone therapy for prostate cancer may work only temporarily for about 1-2 years Cancer cells are smart. When faced with a continuous stressor such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy, they eventually evolve and learn evasive maneuvers. When prostate cancer cells grow resistant or become insensitive to hormone therapy, the cancer is referred to as hormone refractory. Hormone therapy may work to treat prostate cancer for many years. However, it’s only a temporary fix because eventually, the cancer becomes resistant. The risk of resistance goes up if the cancer has taken hold for a long time or if it has relapsed. How effective is hormone therapy for prostate cancer?In the initial years of diagnosis, hormone therapy for prostate cancer can help patients with their symptoms and add years to their lives. For men who need (or will eventually need) hormone therapy, such as men whose prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are rising after surgery or radiation or men with advanced prostate cancer who don’t yet have symptoms, it’s not always clear when the best time is to start hormone treatment:
How long does hormone therapy work to stop cancer progression?On average, hormone therapy can stop cancer progression for 1-2 years before the prostate cancer becomes resistant. Hormone therapy can stop working over time as the prostate cancer begins to grow again (called castrate-resistant prostate cancer). When this occurs, doctors may offer other therapies. Since they can’t predict how long hormone therapy will work, they may perform regular blood tests to check PSA and testosterone levels. If PSA levels start to increase and testosterone levels are low, these may be signs that the cancer has started to grow again. What are the limitations of hormone therapy for prostate cancer?While hormone therapy may help treat prostate cancer, limitations include the following:
What are the side effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer?Long-term and excessive use of hormone therapy often cause side effects that require additional care and adapted support. Side effects can manifest at any point during hormone therapy treatment. Some side effects occur during treatment, whereas others develop immediately after or a few days or even several weeks later. Certain side effects can develop months or even years after treatment. Most side effects will go away once patients finish their hormone therapy. Short- to medium-term side effects
Long-term side effects
SLIDESHOWScreening Tests Every Man Should Have See SlideshowWhat are the different types of hormone therapy for prostate cancer?There are three types of hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
The most common hormone therapies used to treat prostate cancer include:
Health NewsMedically Reviewed on 6/9/2021 References Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer: https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/prostate-hormone -therapy-fact-sheet When Treatment Stops Working: Blame Resistance: https://www.pcf.org/c/when-treatment-stops-working-blame-resistance/ What happens when hormone therapy for prostate cancer ends?Most prostate cancers eventually stop responding to hormone therapy and become castration (or castrate) resistant. That is, they continue to grow even when androgen levels in the body are extremely low or undetectable.
How many times can you have hormone treatment for prostate cancer?How often you have them will vary, depending on the type you are having. Some men have an injection or implant once a month, while others have an injection every three or six months. LHRH agonists (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists) are the most common type of injection or implant.
Why does hormone therapy stop working?Many factors can affect how well HRT works - from health and lifestyle changes to human error and bad habits..... Some health conditions can mimic menopause symptoms – for example high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, thyroid and heart conditions. If significant symptoms are occurring see your GP for a check-up.
What happens in the final stages of prostate cancer?Stage 4 prostate cancer occurs when prostate cancer cells break away from the prostate and spread to the lymph nodes or to other areas of the body. Prostate cancer cells that spread beyond the prostate most often travel to the: Lymph nodes. Bones.
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