Introduction to Medical Oncology
Endocrine/Hormonal Therapy

Endocrine/Hormonal Therapy

 

Hormonal control is involved in normal tissue growth and maturation and some malignancies (mutagenesis and growth).  Withdrawl of hormonal stimulus can result in decreased cell growth and apoptosis - this is exploited in breast and prostate cancers.

 

Breast cancer

 castration

 surgical - oophorectomy chemical - gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues

 radiation - to ovaries

 

 antiestrogens

 selective - SERMS - tamoxifen (agonist/antagonist) pure - fulvestrant

 

 aromatase inhibitors

 anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane

 progestins, androgens