What are the different types of hormone therapy?
There are several types of hormone therapy, including the following: • orchiectomy – the surgical removal of the testicles to prevent male hormones, ones that stimulate growth of the prostate cancer, from being produced. • LHRH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) analogs – drugs that decrease the amount of testosterone produced in a man’s body by interfering with the normal chemical signals sent from the pituitary gland in the brain to the testicles. Drugs include Lupron®, Viadur®, Eligard®, Zoladex®, and TrelstarTM. • anti-androgens – substances that block the body’s ability to use testosterone, because even after orchiectomy or LHRH-analog treatment, a small amount of testosterone may still be produced in the body. Other hormonal drugs may be used for periods of time during treatment. Drugs include Eulexin®, Casodex®, and NilandronTM. • LHRH antagonist (Plexaxis) – used on a very limited basis due to serious allergic reactions by some persons. Given by injection.
