Targeting Hormone-Driven Cancers with Precision and Personalised Care
Introduction
Hormonal therapy—also known as endocrine therapy—is a cornerstone of treatment for cancers that depend on hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone for growth. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks rapidly dividing cells, or targeted therapy, which focuses on specific genetic mutations, hormonal therapy works by blocking hormone production, interfering with receptor signalling, or suppressing hormonal stimulation of cancer cells.
This approach is most effective in hormone-driven cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, where it significantly improves survival, reduces recurrence, and allows long-term disease control. At our clinic, hormonal therapy is delivered with precise evaluation of tumour biology, individual risk assessment, and a strong integration of supportive care—all aligned with our commitment to Cure, Precision, and Compassion.
1. What Is Hormonal Therapy?
Hormonal therapy (endocrine therapy) is a treatment that interferes with the production or function of hormones that can promote cancer growth. Many cancers—especially breast and prostate cancers—are “hormone-sensitive,” meaning they grow in response to specific hormones.
Common Hormone-Sensitive Cancers
Hormonal therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or combined with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
2. How Hormonal Therapy Works
Hormonal therapy works through three primary mechanisms:
1. Reducing Hormone Levels
Some drugs suppress hormone production in the ovaries or testicles:
2. Blocking Hormone Receptors
These medications prevent hormones from binding to their receptors on cancer cells:
3. Inhibiting Hormone Formation in Peripheral Tissues
Aromatase inhibitors (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane) prevent estrogen formation in postmenopausal women.
This targeted approach starves cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow.
3. Hormonal Therapy in Breast Cancer
Hormonal therapy is the backbone of treatment for ER-positive and PR-positive breast cancers, which represent 70–80% of all breast cancer cases.
Common Agents
Treatment Settings
Duration
Typically 5–10 years, depending on menopausal status, risk factors, and disease stage.
Combination Approaches
Hormonal therapy is often combined with:
These combinations significantly improve outcomes in advanced disease.
4. Hormonal Therapy in Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is driven by androgens, primarily testosterone. Hormonal therapy—known as Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT)—is therefore central to its management.
Forms of ADT
1. LHRH agonists/antagonists – suppress testosterone production
2. Anti-androgens
3. Androgen synthesis inhibitors
Clinical Uses
Combination Therapy
ADT is often combined with chemotherapy (docetaxel) or novel hormonal agents for improved survival.
5. Hormonal Therapy in Other Cancers
Endometrial Cancer
Progestins and aromatase inhibitors may be used in early-stage disease or in recurrent settings.
Ovarian Cancer
Hormonal therapy is sometimes used in low-grade serous or ER-positive ovarian cancers.
Thyroid Cancer
TSH suppression with levothyroxine reduces recurrence risk in some cases.
6. How Hormonal Therapy Is Administered
Hormonal therapy may be given as:
Treatment is typically long-term and requires regular monitoring.
7. Side Effects of Hormonal Therapy
Side effects depend on the therapy used and the hormones being suppressed.
A. Breast Cancer Hormonal Therapy Side Effects
Tamoxifen
Aromatase Inhibitors
Ovarian Suppression
B. Prostate Cancer Hormonal Therapy Side Effects
Mitigation Strategies
We integrate structured supportive care:
8. Monitoring During Hormonal Therapy
Monitoring is essential to ensure safety and measure effectiveness.
For Breast Cancer
For Prostate Cancer
Adjustments are made based on side effects, comorbidities, and treatment goals.
9. Advantages of Hormonal Therapy
1. Highly Effective
Hormonal therapy significantly reduces recurrence and improves survival in hormone-sensitive cancers.
2. Favourable Tolerability
Compared to chemotherapy, side effects are often milder and more manageable.
3. Long-Term Disease Control
Many patients can live years with stable disease using hormonal therapy alone or in combination with targeted agents.
4. Oral & Convenient
Most hormonal therapies are taken at home and require fewer hospital visits.
5. Suitable for Older Patients
Well-tolerated even in patients with comorbidities when used appropriately.
10. Limitations of Hormonal Therapy
Our clinic provides continuous education and follow-up to ensure safe, effective, and consistent therapy.
11. Our Clinic’s Approach to Hormonal Therapy
1. Precision-Based Decision-Making
We evaluate:
2. Multidisciplinary Tumour Board
Surgical, medical, radiation, and pathology specialists collaborate to select the optimal endocrine strategy.
3. Personalised Treatment Plans
Doses, agents, and durations are tailored to each patient.
4. Comprehensive Supportive Care
5. Clear Communication
Patients receive detailed counselling on expectations, risks, and long-term follow-up.
Conclusion
Hormonal therapy remains one of the most effective and widely used treatments for hormone-driven cancers. When selected correctly and supported with careful monitoring, it offers long-term control with excellent quality of life. At our clinic, we deliver hormonal therapy with a commitment to scientific rigor, personalised care, and patient well-being—embodying our philosophy of Cure, Precision, and Compassion.
