Where Hormonal Therapy Fits in Prostate Cancer Treatment
When prostate cancer is discussed, treatment usually brings surgery, radiation, scans and medicines to mind. However, there is another important factor doctors consider: hormones. Prostate cancer cells can depend on male hormones called androgens, particularly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), for growth. This connection is the reason hormone therapy has become an important treatment option for many men with prostate cancer. Rather than directly removing or destroying a tumour, hormone therapy works by reducing the hormonal signals that can encourage prostate cancer cells to grow. Why Do Hormones Matter in Prostate Cancer? The prostate naturally responds to male hormones. Testosterone is mainly produced by the testicles and can be converted into DHT within prostate cells. These hormones interact with androgen receptors and influence cellular activity. Some prostate cancer cells retain this dependence on androgen signalling. When androgen activity is reduced, the growth ...