Most of the tumor pathologies of the prostate gland grow and develop due to testosterone, the production of which is directly related to the testes. If the influence of the hormone is eliminated, the neoplasm ceases to increase or is destroyed. As a result of this, hormone therapy of the prostate is aimed at stopping testosterone production or blockade of tumor-nourishing substances.

Most often, hormonal therapy for prostate cancer involves taking special medications. For example, drugs to inhibit the production of testosterone by the pituitary gland or block the use of hormones by the cellular structures of the prostate gland. One of the methods of hormone therapy is also orchidectomy, that is, surgical castration.

Combined hormone therapy for prostate cancer involves the administration of drugs of different groups. Let's say antiandrogens + anticancer drugs. Delayed treatment is used after a long observation of the cancer process. Intermittent therapy is prescribed for a short period of time and stops when cancer-resistant cancer cells appear.

There are 2 basic principles of therapy. First, reduce the amount of hormones that promote tumor growth, or cause blockade with cell receptors. Secondly, it is necessary to suppress cell proliferation and run a “program” for eliminating the cellular structures of the neoplasm.

The effects of hormone therapy are limited to the target organ associated with given hormone. The remaining vital systems of the body practically do not have a negative effect. The risk of side effects is greatly reduced. Treatment is much easier to tolerate than chemotherapy.

Hormone therapy often provides a positive result, even with a common malignant process. However, neoplasms developing in hormone-dependent organs sometimes have resistance to treatment either immediately or with relapse. Then another therapy is prescribed.

Before starting treatment, patient undergoes a comprehensive examination. When developing a treatment program, the age, weight and presence of systemic diseases of organs not affected by cancer must be taken into account. Attention is drawn to individual symptoms. The stage of the oncological process and the degree of tumor growth are revealed by the results of diagnostic measures.

When an objective image of patient’s health is formed, a cancer control strategy is considered. A consilium of specialized specialists is convened to draw up a therapy program. Doctors plan the stages of treatment with the expectation of maximum safety and minimal risk of complications, as much as possible in this situation. Subsequently, hormone therapy is carried out under regular medical supervision.