Prostate Cancer
What is hormone therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer?
What is the short answer?
Prostate cancer uses testosterone to grow.
ADT lowers testosterone with shots or pills, which slows the cancer.
What else should I know?
It's used with radiation for some cancers, and as the base of treatment for cancer that has spread, usually with other medicines.
Side effects can include hot flashes, fatigue, lower sex drive, and bone and heart effects, which we monitor and manage.
When should I make an appointment?
If hormone therapy has been recommended, schedule a visit to talk about benefits and side effects.
Where will I be seen?
For Loganville, our Snellville Clinic & Surgery Center, 1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078, brings your visits and any procedure together in one building.
How do our urologists approach this?
Our urologists explain why hormone therapy is being recommended and how long it may last. We also go over how it fits with radiation or other medicines. We take side effects seriously from the start. We watch your bone and heart health and talk about energy, mood and intimacy, so you can keep living well during treatment.
What happens at a visit?
Visits include PSA checks, a review of how you’re feeling and planning for your next shot or prescription. Bring your medicine list and any questions about side effects. A family member is always welcome.
How should I prepare?
Before you start, bring your medicine list, PSA history and any bone density or heart test results from other doctors. Writing down your questions about side effects ahead of time helps us cover what matters most to you. If a family member helps with your care, they’re welcome to come along.
When should I call?
Call us if side effects are wearing you down, you notice new bone pain, or you aren’t sure when your next dose is due.
What do patients often ask?
These are the questions we hear most, each with a short answer.
Does ADT cure prostate cancer?
ADT slows the cancer by lowering testosterone. It’s often combined with radiation or other medicines, depending on the cancer.
Is there a video on this?
This talk by Dr. Vahan Kassabian looks at newer treatments for prostate cancer, both localized and advanced.
- Watch: New Treatments for Localized and Advanced Prostate Cancer with Dr. Vahan Kassabian What the video covers: Dr. Vahan Kassabian talks about newer treatments for localized and advanced prostate cancer.
What should I read next?
Background information, not a substitute for being seen. Loganville articles