Hormone Therapy – Cancer Treatment and Medicines by Aprazer Healthcare

Aprazer Healthcare redefines cancer treatment by developing targeted therapy anticancer drugs that are affordable and accessible worldwide.

Hormone therapy is the common targeted cancer therapy for cancers and tumors dependent on hormones for growth and proliferation, called hormone–sensitive cancers. Hormone-controlling drugs are used to inhibit the growth and cancer cell proliferation.

It is widely used in reproductive system cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, etc.

What is Hormone Therapy?

It is a type of cancer treatment that inhibits the hormone supply needed for the growth and development of the cancer cells. It’s effective against hormone-sensitive cancers only.

It works by 2 processes-

• • Blocks hormonal receptors that secrete hormones.
• • Inhibits the binding of the hormone to the receptor.

The Hormone Therapy Role in Cancer Treatment

By inhibiting the hormones fueling hormone–sensitive cancers or tumors, it slows down the cancer progression, spread, and causes the tumor to shrink.

The goals of hormonal therapy depend upon the type of cancer and the stage of cancer.

• • It is used before surgery to shrink the tumor and facilitate its removal.
• • It is used to remove cancer cells after surgery.
• • Used for recurrent cancers to prevent the return of the cancer.
• • It is used for palliative care to reduce the symptoms in advanced-stage cancers.

The Cancers That Are Treated With Hormone Therapy

The common cancers that are treated with hormone therapy are –

• • Breast cancer – hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) breast cancers. The breast tumors that require estrogen/progesterone (female hormones secreted by the ovaries) for their growth and spread are treated by hormonal therapy that inhibits or lowers the amount of estrogen.
• • Prostate cancer – The prostate tumors require testosterone, a male sex hormone secreted by the testes. It is treated by hormone therapy that blocks or lowers the secretion of testosterone.

The Advanced Hormone Therapy Drugs Offered by Aprazer Healthcare

Aprazer Healthcare is at the forefront of research and drug development. It is the leading anticancer drug manufacturer, developing novel drug delivery systems.

Leveraging cutting-edge technology and with world-class infrastructure, we are the largest anticancer injection manufacturer, exporting anticancer medicines worldwide.

Hormone Therapy Medicines for Breast Cancer – Prescribed Worldwide

• • Anzakast (Anastrozole) – It is widely used for initial–stage breast cancer that is estrogen sensitive. It inhibits the aromatase enzyme, required for the production of estrogen. It is used for women after menopause. It reduces the risk of recurrence, lowers the risk of uterine cancer and the formation of blood clots.
• • Letrakast (Letrozole) – Use in the treatment of advanced breast cancer resistant to anti-estrogen therapy (SERM) in postmenopausal women, lowering the risk of recurrence.
• • Fulvekast (Fulvestrant) – This is the next–generation anticancer drug. It acts by inhibiting estrogen production. It is widely used in failed cancer therapies like SERM or aromatase inhibitors.
• Fulvekast – Prefilled Fulvestrant syringes are widely used in postmenopausal women with advanced or metastatic ER+ breast cancer, offering better patient compliance and precise dosage.

The Common Side Effects of Hormone Therapy in Females

• • Weakness and fatigue
• • Unusual vaginal discharge
• • Hot flushes and night sweats
• • Vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal women
• • Thinning of the hair
• • Bone weakness and demineralization
• • GIT upset – Nausea, Vomiting
• • Mood disorders and Depression
• • Blood clots
• • Weight gain

The Advanced Hormone Therapy Medicines for Prostate Cancer

• • Abirakast (Abiraterone acetate) – Blocks the enzyme, which downregulates testosterone secretion in males. It shrinks tumors and slows down cancer progression.
  Uses – Castration-resistant prostate cancer
• • Indenza (Enzalutamide) – It is the advanced treatment for castration resistant prostate cancer. It inhibits the testosterone receptors and blocks the binding of testosterone. Offering a multi-step blockade, it is a potent androgen receptor blocker.
  Uses – Castration-resistant prostate cancer

The Side Effects of Hormone Therapy in Males

• • Hot flushes and sweating
• • Sexual dysfunctioning
• • Bone and muscle loss
• • Increased weight
• • Cardiovascular risk
• • Mood changes and depression
• • GIT upset
• • Reduced sperm count
• • Shrinking of testicles
• • Electrolyte imbalance
• • Hypokalemia
• • Fluid retention
• • High blood pressure

Why Hormone Therapy Matters?

Hormonal therapy is one of the powerful modern-day cancer treatments, offering a targeted treatment that offers fewer side effects.

It targets the hormonal cells, causes starvation and death of hormone–sensitive tumors without affecting the normal body cells.

• • It improves the quality of life.
• • Provides targeted action
• • Prevent cancer recurrence
• • Improves survival rates
• • Supports different cancer treatment stages.