Prostate Cancer Medications
There are some prostate cancer medications that have
shown some ability to fight cancer. Most of these come into play
through hormonal therapy.
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The goal is to block the cancerous cells from
getting DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) which is a hormone that is
needed for them to grow and spread. This type of treatment
is not likely to cure cancer altogether, but has been shown
to help in stopping the growth of tumors of cancer as well
as even shrinking it somewhat. It tends to not be cured
simply because the therapy becomes resistant after a couple
of years of use.
This prostate cancer medication often is used when the
cancer has spread from the prostate to other areas of the
body. It is also given as a method to individuals that are
being given radiation treatments to treat the cancers as
well. It can help to prevent the cancer from reoccurring in
these cases.
Other options that may be used as prostate cancer
medications include antiandrogens. |
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These medications work by stopping the actions of
the testosterone as well as DHT within the cells of the cancer.
These medications include flutamide, nilutamie, cyproterone
acetate and bicalutamide.
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Another option is ketoconazole and
aminoglutethimide which are medications that help to stop
the production of adrenal androgens and are usually used
with other medications that do so.
Also, GnRH, a hormone that stimulates that producing
testosterone can be blocked. Testosterone encourages the
growth of prostate cancer. Some medications that are used to
help with this include estrogens, estradiol, and abarelix.
It should also be mentioned that there are several
medications being tested to help with prevention of prostate
cancer. These include toremifene, finasteride and
dutasteride. These have shown to help block the conversion
of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
But, these medications are still being tested for
their abilities and risks. |
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Only your doctor can tell you which
prostate cancer medications may help in your specific case.
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