How does androgen deprivation therapy work?

Androgens are hormones, including testosterone, that can act as growth signals for many prostate cancer cells. Androgen deprivation therapy reduces the body's production of these hormones or prevents them from activating their receptor on cancer cells. This can slow growth and may shrink hormone-sensitive disease.

Some medicines lower hormone production, while others block the hormone signal at the cancer cell. The treatment may be used alone or alongside surgery, radiotherapy, or other systemic treatment, depending on the cancer and the treatment plan.

Treatment may involve injections, tablets, or both, with timing set by the oncology team. Possible effects include hot flushes, reduced sexual desire, erectile changes, tiredness, mood changes, and loss of muscle strength. Ask about movement, nutrition, bone health, heart health, and emotional support before treatment starts.

Keep appointments for symptom review and monitoring. Tell the team about new medicines, existing heart or metabolic conditions, troublesome mood changes, or changes that interfere with daily life; adjustments and supportive care may be available.

Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness, severe allergic symptoms after treatment, or thoughts of self-harm. Contact the oncology team promptly about marked mood changes, severe weakness, or symptoms that appear soon after an injection or new medicine.

Which type of androgen deprivation therapy is planned, and how does it lower or block hormones? How will you monitor bones, heart health, mood, and sexual health? What symptoms should I report between appointments?