Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Getting a diagnosis of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer can be tough. Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is a main treatment. It works by lowering testosterone and other androgens, which help tumors grow.
ADT uses certain medicines, like LHRH agonists and antagonists. Some ADT therapy drugs are leuprolide (Lupron), goserelin (Zoladex), degarelix (Firmagon), and relugolix (Orgovyx).
By lowering androgen levels, ADT slows cancer cell growth. At Liv Hospital, our skilled medical team helps patients through treatment. We make sure they get the best care possible.
Key Takeaways
- Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is a main treatment for advanced and metastatic prostate cancer.
- ADT aims to reduce testosterone and other androgen levels that fuel tumor growth.
- LHRH agonists and antagonists are the main ADT therapy drugs used.
- Examples of ADT drugs include leuprolide (Lupron) and degarelix (Firmagon).
- Reducing androgen levels helps to slow the growth of cancer cells.
What Is Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) for Prostate Cancer
Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is a key treatment for prostate cancer. It aims to lower male hormones that help tumors grow. ADT works by reducing androgens, which are hormones that help prostate cancer cells grow.
How Androgens Fuel Prostate Cancer Growth
Androgens, like testosterone, are important for prostate cancer growth. These hormones help prostate cancer cells grow. This makes androgens a target for treatment.
The Science Behind Hormone Suppression
The main goal of ADT is to lower androgen levels. This slows down prostate cancer cell growth. We use LHRH agonists and antagonists to do this.
By reducing androgen levels, ADT controls prostate cancer growth. This improves patient outcomes. For more on first-line treatments for oncology, including prostate cancer, visit our page on first-line treatment for oncology.
ADT offers many benefits in treating prostate cancer:
- Reduced Tumor Growth: ADT slows prostate cancer progression by lowering androgen levels.
- Improved Survival: ADT has been shown to improve survival rates in men with advanced prostate cancer.
- Symptom Management: ADT helps manage symptoms of prostate cancer, improving quality of life.
Hormone Drugs for Prostate Cancer: Treatment Overview
Hormone therapy is key in fighting prostate cancer, mainly for those with advanced or spread-out disease. We’ll look into hormone therapy’s main points, like its goals and how it works.
When Hormone Therapy Is Recommended
Hormone therapy is often suggested for men with prostate cancer that has spread or for those with high-risk local disease. Advanced prostate cancer needs hormone therapy to lower androgen levels. This helps slow tumor growth and ease symptoms.
Guidelines say hormone therapy is best for patients with:
- Metastatic prostate cancer
- Locally advanced prostate cancer
- Recurrent prostate cancer after initial treatment
Treatment Goals and Expected Outcomes
The main aim of hormone therapy is to lower androgen levels. This slows or stops prostate cancer cell growth. It also improves symptoms, reduces complications, and boosts quality of life.
What hormone therapy can do includes:
| Treatment Outcome | Description |
|---|---|
| Reduced Tumor Size | Hormone therapy can shrink tumors, making them easier to manage. |
| Improved Symptoms | By lowering androgen levels, hormone therapy can ease symptoms like pain and trouble urinating. |
| Delayed Disease Progression | Hormone therapy can slow prostate cancer growth, giving patients more time before needing more treatments. |
A leading oncologist says, “Hormone therapy is a vital part of prostate cancer treatment. It offers patients a valuable way to manage their disease and enhance their quality of life.”
“Hormone therapy has changed prostate cancer treatment, giving patients a powerful way to manage their disease and improve outcomes.”
LHRH Agonists: Key Injectable Treatments
LHRH agonists are key in treating prostate cancer. They first increase testosterone levels. But, with ongoing use, they lower testosterone by blocking LHRH receptors.
We’ll look at leuprolide (Lupron) and goserelin (Zoladex), two main LHRH agonists. We’ll also cover other options.
Leuprolide (Lupron): Administration and Efficacy
Leuprolide, or Lupron, is a common LHRH agonist. It’s given by injection, every 1, 3, or 6 months. It’s effective in lowering testosterone, slowing prostate cancer growth.
Goserelin (Zoladex): Dosing Schedule and Benefits
Goserelin, or Zoladex, is another LHRH agonist. It’s injected subcutaneously, every 1 or 3 months. It helps lower PSA levels and slow disease progression.
Other LHRH Agonist Options
There are more LHRH agonists like triptorelin (Trelstar) and histrelin (Vantas). They offer more choices for prostate cancer treatment.
| LHRH Agonist | Brand Name | Dosing Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Leuprolide | Lupron | 1, 3, or 6 months |
| Goserelin | Zoladex | 1 or 3 months |
| Triptorelin | Trelstar | 1 or 3 months |
| Histrelin | Vantas | 12 months |
LHRH agonists are vital in treating prostate cancer. They help lower androgens. Knowing the options helps doctors create better treatment plans for each patient.
LHRH Antagonists: Faster-Acting Alternatives
LHRH antagonists are a big step forward in treating prostate cancer. They work faster than traditional LHRH agonists. These drugs block LHRH receptors right away, cutting testosterone production without the initial surge seen with LHRH agonists.
Degarelix (Firmagon): Mechanism and Advantages
Degarelix, or Firmagon, is a key LHRH antagonist for prostate cancer treatment. It blocks LHRH receptors in the pituitary gland, quickly lowering testosterone levels. This fast action helps avoid flare-ups seen with LHRH agonists.
“Degarelix has been shown to provide a rapid and sustained reduction in testosterone levels, making it an effective option for managing advanced prostate cancer,” studies say.
Relugolix (Orgovyx): The Oral LHRH Antagonist
Relugolix, or Orgovyx, is a newer LHRH antagonist that’s taken orally. It works fast like degarelix but is easier to take because it’s a pill. Studies show it keeps testosterone levels low, making it a good choice for some patients.
The creation of LHRH antagonists like degarelix and relugolix shows the ongoing push to improve prostate cancer treatment. These drugs offer quicker, more convenient options for managing advanced prostate cancer, helping patients get better care.
Prostate Cancer Injections Every 6 Months: Long-Acting Formulations
New hormone therapies for prostate cancer now mean fewer injections. Some treatments are given every six months. This change makes it easier for patients to stick to their treatment plans and cuts down on doctor visits.
Extended-Release Hormone Therapies
These therapies slowly release the drug over time. This keeps the drug levels steady and means fewer injections are needed. A study in the Open Urology & Nephrology Journal found these treatments work well for prostate cancer.
Benefits of Less Frequent Administration
Getting prostate cancer injections every 6 months has many advantages. It makes it easier for patients to follow their treatment plans. It also lowers the chance of side effects from injections and saves money on healthcare.
Patients like having fewer doctor visits. This makes a big difference in their quality of life. Long-acting treatments are a big step forward in fighting prostate cancer.
Oral Hormone Therapy Medications for Advanced Disease
Now, treating advanced prostate cancer includes oral hormone therapy. This is a new option instead of injectable treatments. These pills give patients more freedom and can work well to control the disease.
Abiraterone (Zytiga) and enzalutamide (Xtandi) are two key oral treatments. We’ll look at how they work and their benefits for advanced prostate cancer.
Abiraterone (Zytiga): CYP17 Inhibition
Abiraterone blocks the CYP17 enzyme, which makes androgens. This lowers androgen levels, slowing prostate cancer growth. The American Cancer Society says it’s used with prednisone for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Enzalutamide (Xtandi): Androgen Receptor Blockade
Enzalutamide blocks androgens at the androgen receptor. This stops androgens from helping prostate cancer grow. It has been shown to help men with castration-resistant prostate cancer live longer.
Abiraterone and enzalutamide are big steps forward in treating advanced prostate cancer. They offer oral options instead of injectables. This gives patients more choices and flexibility in fighting their disease.
Second-Generation Androgen Receptor Inhibitors
Second-generation androgen receptor inhibitors have changed how we treat prostate cancer. These new treatments target androgen receptors better. This leads to better results for patients with advanced disease.
These newer drugs aim to fix issues with earlier treatments. Apalutamide (Erleada) and darolutamide (Nubeqa) are two examples. They have shown great promise in clinical trials.
Apalutamide (Erleada): Mechanism and Indications
Apalutamide is a strong androgen receptor inhibitor. It works well for non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). It blocks androgen receptor signaling, stopping tumor growth.
Clinical trials show apalutamide improves survival without metastasis in men with nmCRPC.
Darolutamide (Nubeqa): Benefits and Usage
Darolutamide is another second-generation androgen receptor inhibitor. It’s approved for nmCRPC treatment. Its unique structure binds well to androgen receptors, stopping harmful signaling.
Darolutamide has been shown to increase survival and delay metastasis in nmCRPC patients.
Both apalutamide and darolutamide are safe in clinical trials. They have a better safety record than some other prostate cancer treatments. These drugs are a big step forward in prostate cancer treatment, giving patients and doctors new options.
Combined Androgen Blockade Approaches
Combined androgen blockade is a new way to treat prostate cancer. It uses different treatments together to block androgens. Androgens are hormones that help cancer grow. By stopping them, we can slow down cancer’s growth.
Adding Antiandrogens to ADT
Antiandrogens are added to Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in this method. Antiandrogens block androgens from reaching cancer cells. This helps stop cancer from growing.
This method has many benefits:
- It blocks androgens better
- It may slow cancer’s growth
- It helps manage cancer symptoms
Bicalutamide, Flutamide, and Other Antiandrogen Options
Bicalutamide and flutamide are two antiandrogens used in prostate cancer treatment. Bicalutamide is effective and has fewer side effects. Flutamide is used less because of its side effects.
There are other antiandrogens too. The choice depends on the patient and the cancer. Factors include how well the patient can handle the treatment and the cancer’s type.
Surgical Options: Orchiectomy as an Alternative to Medical ADT
Orchiectomy is a surgical option for treating prostate cancer. It involves removing the testicles. This reduces androgen production, stopping prostate cancer cells from growing.
Comparing Surgical vs. Medical Castration
Surgical and medical castration both lower androgen levels. But they work differently. Medical castration uses drugs to block hormone production. Orchiectomy removes the testicles for an immediate effect without ongoing medication.
| Characteristics | Surgical Castration (Orchiectomy) | Medical Castration (ADT) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Surgical removal of testicles | Medications (LHRH agonists/antagonists) |
| Effectiveness | Immediate reduction in androgen levels | Gradual reduction, depending on medication |
| Ongoing Commitment | One-time procedure | Ongoing medication required |
Considerations for Choosing Orchiectomy
Choosing between surgical and medical castration depends on several factors. These include the patient’s health, cancer stage, and personal preferences. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of orchiectomy. This includes the surgery’s psychological impact and any possible complications.
Conclusion: Navigating Hormone Therapy Options for Prostate Cancer
Choosing hormone therapy for prostate cancer can be tough. But knowing the options helps patients make better choices. We’ve looked at different treatments like LHRH agonists, antagonists, oral meds, and surgery.
Prostate cancer treatment has many hormone therapy choices. LHRH agonists, like leuprolide (Lupron) and goserelin (Zoladex), and LHRH antagonists, such as degarelix (Firmagon) and relugolix (Orgovyx), are part of androgen deprivation therapy. Oral meds, including abiraterone (Zytiga) and enzalutamide (Xtandi), offer more ways to treat the disease.
It’s key for patients to understand these hormone therapy options. This knowledge helps them make informed decisions about their treatment. We suggest talking to a healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan.
FAQ
What is Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer?
ADT lowers male hormones in the body. These hormones can help prostate cancer grow. It’s used for advanced and metastatic prostate cancer.
How do LHRH agonists work in prostate cancer treatment?
LHRH agonists, like leuprolide (Lupron) and goserelin (Zoladex), first increase androgens. Then, they lower androgen levels. This slows down prostate cancer cell growth.
What are the benefits of LHRH antagonists compared to LHRH agonists?
LHRH antagonists, like degarelix (Firmagon) and relugolix (Orgovyx), work faster. They immediately lower androgen levels. This is good for advanced prostate cancer patients.
What is the role of oral hormone therapy medications in prostate cancer treatment?
Oral hormone therapy, like abiraterone (Zytiga) and enzalutamide (Xtandi), treats advanced prostate cancer. They stop androgens from being made or block their action on cancer cells.
What are second-generation androgen receptor inhibitors, and how do they work?
Second-generation androgen receptor inhibitors, like apalutamide (Erleada) and darolutamide (Nubeqa), block androgens’ action on prostate cancer cells. This slows down tumor growth.
What is combined androgen blockade, and when is it used?
Combined androgen blockade uses ADT and antiandrogens, like bicalutamide or flutamide. It’s for aggressive or advanced prostate cancer.
What is orchiectomy, and how does it compare to medical ADT?
Orchiectomy removes the testicles, stopping androgen production. It’s like medical castration but doesn’t need ongoing injections or medications.
How often are prostate cancer injections administered?
Injection frequency varies by medication and treatment plan. Some, like leuprolide (Lupron), are given every 1-6 months.
What are the benefits of long-acting formulations of hormone therapies?
Long-acting hormone therapies are given less often. This makes treatment easier and improves patient compliance.
What are the treatment goals and expected outcomes of hormone therapy for prostate cancer?
Hormone therapy aims to slow tumor growth, improve symptoms, and enhance quality of life. It’s expected to control the disease and improve survival.
References
- National Cancer Institute (NCI): https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/prostate-hormone-therapy-fact-sheet
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) / PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5301306/
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) / PMC: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8977476/
- Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy / Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41391-018-0079-0
- Oncotarget: https://www.oncotarget.com/article/10901/text/
