Learn more about androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), or hormone therapy, for prostate cancer and whether this treatment may be suitable for you.
ADT is a type of hormone therapy used to treat prostate cancer. Androgens are hormones that control sexual and reproductive function.
One androgen, testosterone, controls how the prostate grows and develops. In people with prostate cancer, testosterone can also encourage the cancer cells to grow. Reducing the amount of testosterone in the body can help shrink cancer cells, making them easier to treat.
ADT can help to:
ADT isn’t a cure for prostate cancer, but it does help to keep prostate cancer under control and manage symptoms such as bone pain. Its effect on prostate cancer will vary between individual patients, so speak to your specialist about your personal situation.
There are 3 main options for having ADT, including:
The type of ADT you have depends on the stage of your cancer and whether you are having any other treatments. Your specialist can give you specific advice about which therapy might be most beneficial.
If you decide to have ADT, with or without other treatments, your specialist will develop a personalised treatment plan. Your treatment goals will be individual, as you may be having treatment to control symptoms or shrink tumours.
You’ll have regular appointments with your specialist, where you’ll discuss how well your treatment is working and adjust any treatments as needed. You will also need regular monitoring tests, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests.
The length of time you will have ADT varies, depending on your individual circumstances, the risk of the cancer spreading and the stage of your cancer.
For example, you can have injections or implants once a month or once every 6 months; you can have injections or implants for up to 3 years after other forms of therapy, such as radiotherapy. Your specialist can discuss your treatment plan and schedule in more detail.
Most people with prostate cancer can have ADT, but the treatment goals depend on the stage of the cancer.
ADT may have side effects that appear at different times, from immediately after treatment to months or even years later.
These are some of the common side effects and when they generally appear. They affect everyone differently. You may not experience all of them, and their intensity can vary.
Immediate onset: hours to days after treatment
Early onset: days to weeks after
Late onset: weeks to months after
Delayed onset: months to years after
As many side effects are due to reduced testosterone levels, they usually improve when you have completed your treatment program and your testosterone levels rise again.
Deciding whether to have ADT involves considering the pros and cons, including potential side effects, and your specialist can discuss these with you in more detail.
You can manage some of these side effects, such as weight gain, muscle loss and mood changes, by speaking with your men’s health team, who can direct you to available supportive care services.
You can also help yourself by remembering to:
