Hormone Therapy
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy, like chemotherapy, is a type of breast cancer treatment that treats cancer cells in all parts of the body. Hormone therapy is mostly used when cancer cells have hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone). In other words, this treatment has a better effect in people whose tumor has positive estrogen and progesterone receptors. However, there are other cases in deciding to perform this type of treatment. for example, Sometimes, this type of treatment is used in women who get breast cancer after menopause, regardless of whether there carry signaling receptors or not.
How does hormone therapy work?
Hormone therapy works in two ways: The drug reduces estrogen levels in the body, and therefore cancer cells have access to less estrogen for growth. The drug binds to the hormone receptor on the surface of cancer cells and prevents the main hormone from reaching these receptors. In this way, the drug prevents the effect of hormones on cancer cells and thus inhibits their growth. The goal in both methods is to deprive cancer cells from the body's natural hormones so that the cancer cells are destroyed sooner and the growth of the remaining cells slows down or stops.
Different types of hormone therapy drugs are being recommended, which may be prescribed as tablets and single drugs or in combination with ovarian inhibitor ampoules.
How long does hormone therapy last?
Patients whose breast cancer is limited to the breast region respond well to hormone therapy. The use of hormone therapy drugs in the treatment of breast cancer has had good results in patients for at least 5 years. Currently, many researchers believe that certain groups of patients benefit from hormone therapy for a longer period of time. Hormone therapy may be changed from one type to another after some time by decision of the doctor.
Side effects of hormone therapy
In addition to cancer cells, tamoxifen (the most common drug in hormone therapy) also affects other cells in the body, and its side effects are caused by this. One of the most important side effects of tamoxifen that may occur in rare cases is the increased possibility of a blood clot in the vein, which may cause breathing problems for the patient by moving this clot to the lungs. Among its other complications, the probability of uterine cancer initiation is very low. If your doctor has prescribed tamoxifen, be sure to inform your doctor in case of side effects such as vaginal bleeding or spotting. You should also periodically undergo a pelvic examination by a gynecologist and inform the doctor of any abnormal bleeding or pain. But among the obvious benefits of this drug, we can mention the reduction of the risk of osteoporosis (especially after menopause). Therefore, taking into account the benefits of tamoxifen, today experts consider and recommend the use of this drug as an adjunctive treatment in most breast cancer patients.
To get more information on nutrition, you can visit the Breast Diseases Clinic of Motamed Jihad Academic Research Institute or contact the numbers below.
Consultant contact number: 021-66404020 / 09124885127
References
- A journey with breast cancer towards hope, Ahmed Kaviani et al
- Comprehensive guide to breast diseases, Mandana Ebrahimi et al
Compiled, written and translated by:
Dr. Ahmad Fazilat
Faculty member, Dept of Genetics, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR