What are the differences between hormonal treatment and chemotherapy?
Hormonal therapy is the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic, advanced-staged prostate cancer. A vast majority of prostate cancers, particularly initially, are dependent on testosterone (the male hormone produced by the testes) for their growth and spread. The objective of hormonal treatment is to withdraw this source of sustenance for prostate cancer cells in an attempt to slow down or control this disease. The following are treatments available for hormonal therapy: Orchiectomy is the surgical removal of the testicles. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, such as leuprolide (Lupron, Viadur, Eligard), goserelin (Zoladex), or buserelin (Suprefact), stop the production of testosterone from the testes and induce a state of “medical castration” (castration without surgery). Many men prefer this over surgical castration. Antiandrogens, such as flutamide (Eulexin) or bicalutamide (Casodex), block the action of testosterone on the prostate cancer cells and other parts of t
