Hormone therapy, also called endocrine therapy, is a cancer treatment that slows or stops the growth of cancers that depend on hormones. It is most commonly used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and prostate cancer, and may also be considered for selected endometrial, ovarian and other hormone-sensitive cancers.
Hormone therapy works by reducing the amount of a particular hormone in the body, blocking its interaction with cancer cells or preventing cancer cells from producing or using hormonal signals. It may be prescribed alone or combined with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
At Apollo Cancer Centres, hormone receptor testing and other clinical assessments help oncologists determine whether hormone therapy is appropriate. Each treatment plan is personalized according to the cancer type and stage, biomarker findings, menopausal or hormonal status, overall health and treatment goals.
Why Hormone Therapy Is Required
Hormone-sensitive Cancer: Used when testing shows that cancer growth is influenced by hormones or hormone receptors.
Treatment Before Surgery: May help shrink selected tumours before surgery and make them more manageable to remove.
Treatment After Surgery: Can lower the risk of recurrence after primary treatment for certain hormone-sensitive cancers.
Advanced or Metastatic Cancer: May slow cancer growth, relieve symptoms and provide long-term disease control in selected patients.
Combination Treatment: Can be combined with targeted medicines, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or other treatments to improve effectiveness in specific clinical settings.
Recurrence Risk Reduction: May be recommended for certain individuals at increased risk of developing or experiencing a recurrence of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Symptom Control: In advanced cancer, hormone therapy may help reduce cancer-related symptoms by controlling disease activity.
Key Advantages
Side Effects of Hormone Therapy
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Fatigue
- Mood or sleep changes
- Reduced sexual desire or changes in sexual function
- Vaginal dryness or erectile difficulties
- Menstrual changes or effects on fertility
- Joint stiffness, muscle discomfort or reduced muscle strength
- Weight or metabolic changes
- Reduced bone density and increased fracture risk
- Changes in cholesterol, blood pressure or cardiovascular risk
- Increased risk of blood clots with certain medicines
- Breast tenderness or enlargement with some prostate cancer treatments
Continuum of Care
At Apollo Cancer Centres, hormone therapy is planned by experienced oncology teams using pathology findings, hormone receptor results and the patient’s complete clinical profile. Before treatment, patients receive clear information about why a particular therapy has been recommended, how it should be taken and which side effects require medical attention.
Throughout treatment, regular consultations and appropriate investigations help evaluate response, manage side effects and monitor bone, cardiovascular and metabolic health when required. Treatment duration varies considerably according to the cancer type, stage, response and recurrence risk. The care team reviews the plan at scheduled intervals to ensure that it remains appropriate and effective.
