Tests and Procedures

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Overview

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer is a treatment that stops the male hormone testosterone from being produced or reaching prostate cancer cells.

Most prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone to help them grow. Hormone therapy causes prostate cancer cells to die or to grow more slowly.

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer may involve medications or possibly surgery to remove the testicles.

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer is also known as androgen deprivation therapy.