Corel Medical Series: Cancer/Corel Medical Series: Cancer.iso/mac/Program/c35.dxr/00096_Field_SRC.c35.C.18.txt

Text File | 1997-01-28 | 2KB | 18 lines

  The scrotum, the sac containing the testicles, is left in place, so the outward appearance is little changed.
• Giving men the female hormone estrogen will shut down the gland in the brain (pituitary) that stimulates the
  testicles to make testosterone . The effect of estrogens on prostate cancer is similar to the effect of
  orchiectomy, but the female hormone can cause breast development and breast tenderness, although this can
  usually be prevented by first giving a small dose of radiotherapy to the breast area. Estrogens can also be
  associated with an increased incidence of heart disease, which can be lessened by using a lower dose. The pills
  must be taken daily for life.
• Newer hormones such as leuprolide or goserelin have much the same effect as orchiectomy or estrogen
  therapy but are less likely to produce the breast enlargement or heart problems experienced with estrogens.
  These hormones are expensive and are administered by monthly injections for life.
• There are hormonal agents (antiandrogens) that bind to the prostate cell and prevent testosterone from helping
  it thrive. Flutamide is one such antiandrogen being used in addition to other forms of hormonal therapy. It
  does not produce a cure, and there may be undesirable side effects, but some studies have indicated that in
  selected patients, when combined with orchiectomy or one of the newer hormones mentioned above
  (leuprolide or goserelin), it can prolong life about six months longer than if it was not used. This may be
  explained by the antiandrogens blocking the extratesticular source of androgens such as the adrenal gland, and
  is referred to as total androgen ablation. And there are non-hormonal chemical agents such as ketoconazole that
  reduce male hormone levels and mimic the effect of orchiectomy.