There are several cancers that rely on hormones for their growth. Endocrine therapy is used to destroy such cancer cells. Instead of going for chemotherapy, doctors go for hormone therapy that blocks your body’s hormones, so these cancer cells can’t respond to them. It's because of this targeted approach that endocrine therapy is still considered one of the best options for long-term cancer care.
Cancers treated by endocrine therapy
Endocrine therapy is specifically used to fight cancers that rely on hormones for their growth.
Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers that grow in response to estrogen or testosterone.
Prostate cancer driven by testosterone.
Hormone-sensitive ovarian or uterine cancers.
How does endocrine therapy work?
Hormone-driven cancers rely on your hormones for their growth. They use them as their signals to spread across your body. But if this hormone signal is cut off, then these cancers may start losing their primary source of power. Endocrine therapy does the same thing. It interrupts these hormone signals in different ways. Some medicines may block your hormones from attaching to cancer cells, while others may reduce the amount of hormones produced in your body. In some cases, the treatment can also disable the hormone receptors on cancer cells. This way, endocrine therapy can slow your tumor growth and destroy the remaining cancer cells that may cause a relapse.
Benefits and possible side effects
Benefits:
Slows or stops the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers
Reduces the risk of cancer after primary treatment
Can shrink tumors before and during the treatment
More targeted than chemotherapy
Possible side effects:
Host flashes
Night sweats
Fatigue
Mood changes
Reduced bone density
Changes in sexual health
What should you expect during treatment?
The treatment from endocrine therapy can depend on the type and the current stage of cancer you are diagnosed with. In some cases, the treatments can go up to several years if the severity is very high. Your treatment may involve daily tablets or injections, along with several follow-up visits to monitor your progress. During these appointments, doctors may take your blood test, imaging scans, or bone health assessment to see whether the therapy is working properly or not. This can also help doctors to spot any potential threats that can damage your overall health. This is why you should take all your medications on time and attend all the follow-ups to keep your treatment on track.
Treatment for long-term care
Endocrine therapy has truly changed the way how hormone-driven cancers are treated. While the treatment may last for a longer duration, staying aware of your health can help you manage your symptoms effectively. By asking the right questions, you can get the clarity for treatment and move ahead with more confidence.