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Hormone therapy: LHRH agonists
This section is for men who are about to start, or already taking hormone therapy to control their prostate cancer. This section discusses LHRH agonists which are most commonly:
- Goserelin for prostate cancer (Brand name Zoladex®, Zoladex® LA),
- Leuprorelin acetate (Brand name Prostap® SR, Prostap® 3)
- or Triptorelin (Brand name Decapeptyl® SR, Gonapeptyl Depot®)
In this section we discuss
What are LHRH agonists?
LHRH agonists are injectable gonadotropin releasing hormone super-agonists (GnRH agonist), also known as a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. They are used to suppress production of the sex hormones (testosterone), in the treatment of prostate cancer.
In biochemistry, agonists are compounds that stimulate the production of another compound. (In contrast, antagonists are compounds that suppress the production of another compound.) LHRH agonists stimulate the production of the sex hormones testosterone. However, these hormones are regulated by feedback loops. So paradoxically, after they stimulates the production of sex hormones, the hormones are then suppressed by the body's feedback mechanisms.
Prostate cancer cells are hormone-dependent, that is, they need hormone stimulation to grow. When the hormones are eliminated, the cancer cells are inhibited.
LHRH agonists can be used alone or alongside other types of treatment. Your doctor will consider a number of different factors before deciding which is the most appropriate treatment for you.
More information
The Prostate Cancer Charity
Freephone Helpline Number: 0800 074 8383
Email: info@prostate-cancer.org.uk
Post: The Prostate Cancer Charity, First Floor, Cambridge House, 100 Cambridge Grove, Hammersmith, London, W6 0LE.
CancerHelp UK
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
CancerHelp is the patient information website of Cancer Research UK. It contains information on active surveillance and living with cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support
www.macmillan.org.uk
89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ
Freephone helpline number: 0808 808 00 00
Mon-Fri 9am-8pm
Practical, emotional and financial support for people with cancer, family and friends.
Cancer Counselling Trust
www.cancercounselling.org.uk
Phone: 020 7843 2292
Offers counseling for people with cancer, friends and family.
Healthtalkonline
www.healthtalkonline.org
Watch, listen to or read personal experiences of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
