How effective is androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer cells may use androgens, including testosterone, as growth signals. Androgen deprivation therapy lowers hormone production or prevents hormones from activating their receptor. It may be used before, with, or after radiotherapy, or as part of treatment for cancer that has spread.

The prostate-specific antigen level and symptoms can help the team judge response, but one result does not tell the whole story. Some cancers eventually grow despite low androgen levels. The treatment may then be adjusted or combined with another systemic therapy.

Discuss the intended role and planned duration with your oncologist. Report hot flushes, sleep changes, low mood, reduced sexual desire, weight changes, or fatigue; practical support can help. Ask about activity, bone health, heart health, blood sugar, and cholesterol, because hormone suppression can affect these areas. Keep scheduled blood tests and review appointments.

Seek urgent medical help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, sudden weakness, new confusion, or a painful leg swelling. Contact the cancer team about rapidly worsening bone pain, difficulty passing urine, or new leg weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These symptoms need prompt assessment, whether or not treatment is working.

Is my cancer hormone-sensitive, and what is the goal of this therapy? Will it be combined with radiotherapy or another medicine? Which changes in PSA, scans, or symptoms would alter the plan? How should we protect my bones and monitor metabolic health?