The growth of prostate cancer depends on the male sex hormone – testosterone. Hormonal therapy prevents testosterone from being produced in the body and from acting on the tumour cells, which leads to a reduction of PSA level. Testosterone production is blocked by so-called castration treatment, which can be done surgically or with medication.
The disadvantage of hormonal therapy is the induction of the so-called male menopause, when hot flashes, breast enlargement, decreased or disappearing sexual desire (libido), erectile dysfunction, weight gain, fatigue, muscle loss and thinning of bones (osteoporosis) may occur.
Hormonal therapy alone cannot cure prostate cancer. However, it can keep it under control for many months or years before you and your doctor may need to consider some other treatment. Along with radiotherapy, hormone therapy reduces the risk of the disease coming back. For patients with metastatic disease, it prolongs survival, reduces disease manifestations and improves quality of life. This treatment follows recent international recommendations.
