Endocrine Or Hormonal Therapy in Bangalore

Hormonal therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, is a type of cancer treatment that involves the use of specific agents to block hormones from attaching to cancer cells or to stop the production of endogenous hormones that support the growth and progression of cancer. It is primarily used to slow down or halt the growth of hormone-receptor positive tumours, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, or endometrial cancer.

Hormonal therapy is one of the advanced cancer care treatments offered at Apollo Hospitals, the best medical oncology hospital in Bangalore, Karnataka. Additionally, it can be used for palliative and supportive care to alleviate the side effects of cancer, as part of the patient-centric rehabilitation services provided by the hospital.

Types of Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal or endocrine therapy can modify the amount or behaviour of hormones within the body. This type of therapy may be recommended in one or more of the following treatment scenarios:

• To inhibit the production of specific endogenous hormones
• To modify the behaviour of certain hormones in the body
• To prevent a hormone from binding to cancer cells.

How Hormonal Therapy is used for Cancer?

Endocrine or hormonal therapy can be used as a standalone treatment for cancer or in combination with other forms of cancer treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. It can be utilised in various ways at different stages over several months or even years. The decision to use hormonal therapy depends on the type of cancer and its extent of spread. The best oncologists in Bangalore at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, who have extensive experience in treating and managing cancer patients, will discuss the treatment options in detail with the patients.

Sometimes hormonal therapy is recommended before or after surgery, or other forms of treatment, to shrink the tumour or reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. It can also be used for recurrent cancer when the disease has returned, or for metastatic cancer when it has spread to other parts of the body.

Hormonal therapy can be employed to halt or slow down cancer growth, or to prevent its recurrence. Additionally, it can help manage and alleviate the side effects and symptoms of cancer as part of supportive care and treatment.

Cancers Treated by Hormonal Therapy

Endocrine or hormonal therapy is used to treat various types of cancers, with the most common ones being prostate cancer in men, and breast cancer and endometrial cancer in women. Hormonal therapy may be recommended for the following types of cancers, which may be influenced by specific hormones:

• Thyroid cancer: Hormonal therapy using thyroid hormones may be employed in patients with thyroid cancer after undergoing surgery. This is done to replace hormones in the body and inhibit or halt the growth of any remaining cancer cells.
• Adrenal gland cancer: Hormonal therapy may be recommended before, during, or after other forms of treatment in cases of excessive hormone secretion from the adrenal glands, where a tumour may have developed.
• Pituitary gland cancer: Hormonal therapy may be used to replace essential hormones released from the pituitary gland, which may be disrupted due to tumour formation.
• Endometrial cancer: Oestrogen and progesterone can contribute to the growth of cancer cells in the endometrium of the uterus. Hormonal therapy can help slow down the growth of such cancer.
• Neuroendocrine cancer: Tumours forming in specialised neuroendocrine cells can be controlled through hormonal therapy to inhibit their growth and hormone release.
• Breast cancer: Oestrogen and progesterone can stimulate the growth of breast cancer. Hormonal therapy may be used to prevent recurrence or metastasis of breast cancer.
• Prostate cancer: Androgens, such as testosterone, can drive the growth of tumours in the prostate, leading to prostate cancer spread. Hormonal therapy is employed to reduce testosterone levels and slow down the growth of prostate cancer.

How is Hormonal Therapy given?

Hormonal therapy can be administered in various ways, depending on the overall health condition of the patient. There are two main methods of administering hormonal therapy:

1. Oral hormonal therapy: Hormone therapy medications can be taken orally in the form of pills, capsules, or liquids. These medications may be recommended by the doctor to be taken before, during, or after surgery or other forms of cancer treatment to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness.
2. Injected hormonal therapy: Hormone therapy drugs can be administered through injection, either intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The hormone therapy drug may be injected into a muscle in the arm, thigh, or hip, or just under the skin in a fatty area of the arm, leg, or abdomen.

In addition to the above methods, surgical removal of glands or organs that release certain hormones, which contribute to the growth and spread of cancer, may also be recommended. Hormonal therapy is typically administered over a period of time, usually ranging from several months to several years.

Side Effects of Hormonal Therapy

Since hormonal therapy is used to alter the levels of certain hormones in the body, it can lead to some side effects. The specific side effects experienced may vary depending on the type of hormonal therapy received and how the patient’s body responds to it, so they may not be the same for every patient.

Some common side effects of hormonal therapy may include:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Decreased sexual drive
• Hot flashes

Men undergoing hormonal therapy for prostate cancer may experience additional side effects, such as weakened bones and diarrhoea. Women who have undergone hormonal therapy may experience other symptoms, including vaginal dryness, changes in mood, and changes in the menstrual cycle for those who have not reached menopause

Treatments at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka has established a centre of excellence for cancer care treatments. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of treatment and care for all types of cancer. Our team of top oncologists in Bangalore collaborates to offer comprehensive and patient-centric cancer treatment options tailored to the individual needs of our patients. We are supported by state-of-the-art, technologically advanced equipment for treatment, management, and rehabilitation.