Prostate cancer treatment with hormonal therapy

Hormones determine the growth, development, and function of most organs. As a rule, these are complex proteins secreted into the blood by the endocrine glands. In the case of the prostate gland, the synthesis of male hormones (androgens) by the testicles is of particular importance. Taking hormonal drugs aims to suppress the division of cancer cells by affecting the production of testosterone, which is "food" for cells and increases tumor growth rate. The therapeutic effect is to reduce the testosterone level in the gland by reducing its production by the testicles or blocking its penetration into the cells. Suppression of androgen production minimizes the size of the tumor and prevents the spread of cancer to other tissues. Hormone therapy is not considered a radical remedy. It cannot cure a malignant disease, but it stops the progression of the tumor for a long time. Therefore, hormonal agents are used as combination therapy or palliative treatment at advanced stages. Often, hormonal therapy is given as the first choice for many prostate cancer patients. However, the optimal treatment regimen and selection of drugs are made individually for each patient based on the characteristics of a malignant tumor.