Treatment

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Treatment

Chapter: 6 - Treatment

Subchapter: 9 - Hormone Therapy

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone are chemicals produced by glands in the body. In our simplified illustration, we are using circles for estrogen and squares for progesterone. Normally, these hormones help regulate body cycles like menstruation. However, as we discussed in Subchapter 3.1 “Growth of Cancer,” sometimes these same hormones can cause cancer to grow.

The pathologist will perform tests on the cancer cells to determine if they have receptors that feed on estrogen or progesterone, stimulating their growth. If the cancer cells have these receptors, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy drugs, such as blockers or inhibitors. Both types of drugs help to destroy cancer cells by cutting off their supply of hormones.

Hormone Blockers
The most common hormone therapy drug is Tamoxifen. It blocks the estrogen-shaped openings in the cells, preventing estrogen-fueled cancers from growing.

Tamoxifen can be taken as a pill on a daily basis, up to five years after surgery.

Hormone Inhibitors
Hormone inhibitors also target cancer cells with hormone receptors, but unlike hormone blockers, they work by reducing the body’s hormone production. When cancer cells are cut off from the ‘food supply’ (in this case, estrogen) the tumor begins to starve and die.

However, hormone inhibitors are only used in postmenopausal women.

Generally, the benefits of using hormone therapy and chemotherapy together have a much greater combined effect than using either alone. If your cancer is positive for hormone receptors, your doctor may recommend both therapies.

Related Questions

  • Missing

    If I take tamoxifen in the morning I feel sick all day and if I take it at night I can't sleep!? Anyone have same issue? What to do?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    4 months ago 6 answers •
    • View all 6 answers
    • anonymous
      Stage 1 Patient

      I was told to take with food in the am. Prayers to you.

      Comment
    • Missing
      anonymous
      Stage 2A Patient

      I just started and I notice I am not sleeping good at all. I been taking it in the morning

      1 comment

  • Should I take tamoxifen or have my ovaries removed?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    about 1 year ago 2 answers •
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2003

      Morning Kristen I pondered the same question in 2008. Did a lot of research saw an gyn oncologist and talked to a lot of other doctors. I also had a negative BRCA I and II Gene testing is the first requirement with a positive BRCA I and II for insurance to cover the removal of your ovaries. ...

      more

      Morning Kristen I pondered the same question in 2008. Did a lot of research saw an gyn oncologist and talked to a lot of other doctors. I also had a negative BRCA I and II Gene testing is the first requirement with a positive BRCA I and II for insurance to cover the removal of your ovaries. At least here in Hawaii. I was willing to pay for the procedure on my own at first. But after researching how estrogen is produced in your body I discovered that your ovaries are only partly producing estrogen you also produce estrogen from your adrenal glands so even with your ovaries removed you would still have to take some form of an estrogen blocker ... I still have my ovaries have been on tamoxifen for three years and am officially menopausal now so was switched to arimedix which I will take for another 5 years. I've read that there is research going on in finding another medication that breast cancer survivors will take for life. Have to say I was counting down two more years of tamoxifen so was hit with a hard blow when my doctor advised me to switch to arimedix for another 5 years. Took me a couple of months to warm up to the idea but bottom line is I really don't want another reoccurrence and if there is something that could possibly prevent it got to go with it. Take care

      3 comments
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      I had to have my ovaries removed because I could not take tamoxifen. I had major side effects at first and then became allergic to it. After surgery, I am now on Femaria and other than bone pain, I am doing well taking it. I know a good many women that could not take tamoxifen for several...

      more

      I had to have my ovaries removed because I could not take tamoxifen. I had major side effects at first and then became allergic to it. After surgery, I am now on Femaria and other than bone pain, I am doing well taking it. I know a good many women that could not take tamoxifen for several reasons. I would have my ovaries removed if I were you. I hope this helps!!! God Bless You!!!

      2 comments

  • Just started Tamoxifen and feel pretty crappy. Any ideas to combat side effects? Does it get better?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    over 1 year ago 1 answers •
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2003

      Hang in there it does get better I've been on tamoxifen for 3years. Hot flashes, joint and bone pain, total exhaustion peeks between 6-8 months then things taper out and are tolerable. Be prepared for weight gain also. That part lingers. Take care and remember there iSight at the end of the tunnel

      Comment

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