Hyperthermia Therapy: Procedure Overview & Benefits
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy, also known as hormonal therapy or endocrine therapy, is a cancer treatment used to treat cancers that depend on sex hormones to grow.
Hormones are responsible for the growth of some cancers. This therapy works by blocking hormone production that helps specific cancer cells grow and multiply, hence stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Hormone therapy can be performed alone or in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. It can be done,
- To shrink a tumour before the surgery or radiation therapy, referred to as Neoadjuvant therapy.
- After surgery or radiation therapy to kill the cancer cells, referred to as Adjuvant therapy.
Indications for Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is typically indicated in cancers that use hormones to grow. This is mainly used to treat androgen and estrogen-dependent cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.
Common indications include:
- In Breast Cancer, hormonal therapy stops estrogen or progesterone from attaching to receptors on cancer cells, which helps them grow. It is particularly effective for estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer.
- In Prostate Cancer, the therapy lowers or stops androgen levels, which shrinks the cancer or slows down the growth. It is used in those positive for androgen receptor-positive prostate cancer.
- Hormone blocking drugs are used to treat Endometrial Cancer, especially in advanced stages, in those with hormone receptor positivity.
- In certain cases of Ovarian cancer, hormonal therapy may be used, especially when other treatments are not suitable.
Steps Involved in Hormone Therapy
- Your doctor confirms the cancer type and its hormone receptor status through tests like hormone receptor assays.
- Based on test results, the oncologist selects an appropriate hormonal therapy regimen and discusses its potential side effects and the treatment plan with the patient.
- Hormonal therapy can be administered in various forms, including oral pills to swallow, injections to the muscle, or surgery to remove the organs that produce hormones, ovaries for women and testicles for men.
- This is a systemic treatment that involves hormones that circulate throughout the body. The drugs used in hormonal therapy travel throughout the body to locate and attack these hormones.
- Regular monitoring for side effects and treatment effectiveness is essential, and adjustments to the treatment plan are made based on the patient’s response to the treatment.
- Post-treatment follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess progress and manage any long-term effects.
Who Conducts the Hormonal Therapy
Debulking surgery is conducted by a surgical oncologist, a specialist trained in the surgical management of cancer. The surgical team may also include:
- Oncologists Medical doctors who specialize in cancer treatment. They determine the suitability of hormonal therapy and prescribe the treatment.
- Endocrinologists Specialists who may be involved in managing hormone-related aspects of the therapy.
- Pharmacists Provide the prescribed hormonal medications and offer advice on their use.
- Nurses Administer medications and provide support and education to patients.
Preparation for Hormone Therapy
Preparation for debulking surgery typically includes:
- Pre-Treatment Testing: Hormone receptor testing to determine the sensitivity of the cancer to hormone manipulation.
- Medical Evaluation: A comprehensive assessment of overall health is done to ensure the patient can tolerate the therapy.
- Treatment Planning: Consultation with the healthcare team to discuss the treatment regimen, possible side effects, and expected outcomes.
- Financial and Insurance Planning: Verify insurance coverage and understand the costs associated with hormonal therapy.
Cost of the Procedure
The cost of hormonal therapy varies based on the type of cancer, the specific drugs used, and the healthcare facility. In India, the monthly cost of hormonal therapy can range from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000, depending on the treatment and individual patient needs.
This estimate includes medication and related medical expenses. For precise pricing, consult specific healthcare providers.
Recovery After the Procedure
- Managing side effects like nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
- Regular follow-ups with your oncologist to monitor progress.
- Adjusting to any changes in your physical or emotional well-being.
- Cancer rehabilitation can be helpful in managing the effects of chemotherapy.
Lifestyle Changes After Hormonal Therapy Procedure
- Adopt a balanced diet with abundant vitamins and nutrients to provide strength, help manage side effects, and support recovery.
- Regular exercise may improve your sense of well-being, reduce anxiety and depression, reduce fatigue, and help you recover faster.
- Adopt a regular sleep schedule, avoid screen time for 1-2 hours before bedtime, and make sure you get adequate rest to help your body recover.
- Seek counselling or join support groups to cope with emotional challenges.
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Find a SpecialistFrequently Asked Questions
1. What is hormonal therapy?
Hormonal therapy is a cancer treatment that alters hormone levels or blocks hormone effects to slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors.
2. Which types of cancer can be treated with hormonal therapy?
It is commonly used for breast cancer, prostate cancer, and sometimes for endometrial and ovarian cancers.
3. How does hormonal therapy work?
It works by blocking the production or action of hormones that fuel the growth of certain cancers.
4. What are the common forms of hormonal therapy?
Common forms include oral pills, injections, and implants.
5. How long will I need to be on hormonal therapy?
The duration varies based on the cancer type and individual response, often ranging from several months to years.
6. What are the possible side effects of hormonal therapy?
Side effects can include hot flashes, weight gain, mood changes, fatigue, and bone thinning.
7. How is the effectiveness of hormonal therapy monitored?
Through regular follow-up visits, blood tests, and imaging studies to assess the response and manage side effects.
8. Can hormonal therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes, it can be used in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, depending on the treatment plan.
9. What should I do if I miss a dose of hormonal therapy?
Contact your healthcare provider for instructions on how to proceed.
10. Will hormonal therapy affect my daily life?
Some side effects may impact daily activities, but many patients can continue their normal routines with some adjustments.
11. Is hormonal therapy covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage varies. It is important to check with your insurance provider for specific details.
12. Are there long-term effects of hormonal therapy?
Long-term effects can include bone density loss and cardiovascular issues. Regular monitoring is important.
13. How can I manage the side effects of hormonal therapy?
Discuss management strategies with your healthcare provider, including lifestyle changes and medications to alleviate symptoms.
14. Can hormonal therapy cure cancer?
Hormonal therapy can be highly effective in controlling and managing cancer, but its effectiveness in achieving a cure depends on the individual case.
15. What are clinical trials, and should I consider participating in one?
Clinical trials test new treatments and may offer additional options if standard therapies are not suitable. Discuss potential benefits and risks with your oncologist.