From the time of age, disease and advances have marked the course of history; but cancers have now definitely come a long way and brought patients solutions not only efficient but also manageable. One among these is hormone therapy targeted-specific therapy for those cancers in which hormones play a role: breast and prostate cancers. Leading oncologists like Dr. Gopal Sharma, widely recognized as the Best Cancer Specialist in Delhi NCR, have integrated hormone therapy as the cornerstone of cancer treatment to improve patient outcomes.
What Is Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, is a treatment that consists of medication or surgery designed to change the levels of hormones in the body. Some breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers will grow and spread in the presence of the specific hormones in the body: estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. Hormonal therapy acts by blocking those hormones or decreasing their production, and this causes the slowing down of cancer growth and sometimes prevents recurrence.
Types of Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is broadly classified into two types:
- Blocking Hormone Action: This method involves medications that prevent hormones from binding to cancer cells. For instance, drugs like tamoxifen are used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
- Lowering Hormone Levels: Some treatments reduce the production of hormones in the body, such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists or aromatase inhibitors. These are commonly used in prostate and postmenopausal breast cancer cases.
How Does Hormone Therapy Work?
Hormone therapy is often used in combination with other treatments such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. It can be administered in different ways, depending on the cancer type and stage:
- Oral Medications: Pills taken daily to block hormone effects or reduce production.
- Injections: Regular hormonal shots to lower hormone levels.
- Surgery: Removal of hormone-producing organs like ovaries or testicles in advanced cases.
Benefits of Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy offers several advantages for patients battling hormone-sensitive cancers:
- Targeted Treatment: Unlike chemotherapy, hormone therapy specifically targets cancer cells influenced by hormones, reducing the impact on healthy cells.
- Prevention of Recurrence: Hormone therapy is often used post-surgery or radiation to minimize the risk of cancer returning.
- Effective for Advanced Cancers: It helps control the progression of metastatic cancers, improving the quality of life for patients.
Risks and Side Effects
While hormone therapy is effective, it can cause side effects, including:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Fatigue and mood swings
- Loss of bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis
- Weight gain and changes in libido
- Cardiovascular issues in rare cases
Why Choose Dr. Gopal Sharma for Cancer Treatment?
Dr. Gopal Sharma, the Best Cancer Specialist in Delhi NCR, has over two decades of experience with a special focus on personalized cancer care. He is a well-known doctor in the practice of hormone therapy, which ensures that tailored treatment plans suitable for various patients are developed. The famous cancer doctor in Delhi creates a bond of compassion with cutting-edge advancements in medicine to be the most trusted in cancer treatment.
Conclusion
Such type of therapy is the most powerful tool in fighting cancers, especially when it comes to hormone-sensitive types, such as breast and prostate cancers. With all these advantages, what one will get is thorough cancer treatment with the very least complications through this therapist or oncologist like Dr. Gopal Sharma. If one gets a positive diagnosis of cancer, speak to a specialist concerning hormone therapy concerning a full treatment plan.