Hormone Therapy for Endometrial Cancer

 

Hormones are chemicals that circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain organs, such as the ovaries. Hormonal therapy prevents cancer cells from getting or using hormones they need to grow. Hormone therapy is often used in women who cannot have surgery or radiation therapy because of health problems or because their cancer is advanced or aggressive. Hormone therapy is also used after surgery to help make sure that all of the cancer cells have been killed.

  • Delalutin ® (hydroxyprogesterone caproate) - Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is a progesterone, or female hormone, that is involved in women’s monthly cycles and pregnancies. Hydroxyprogesterone caproate is given by injection into the muscle. The dose depends on your weight and type of cancer.
  • Provera ® (medroxyprogesterone acetate) - Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a progesterone. Medroxyprogesterone acetate is taken in pill form, usually once a day. The dose depends on your weight and type of cancer.
  • Megace ® (megestrol acetate) - Megestrol acetate is a progesterone. Megestrol acetate is taken in pill or liquid form by mouth. Megestrol acetate pills are usually taken four times a day. The dose depends on your weight and type of cancer.
  • Tamoxifen - Tamoxifen blocks estrogen, the female sex hormone made by the ovaries that is responsible for the development of female sex characteristics, such as a uterus and breasts. Tamoxifen is usually taken in pill form twice a day with an 8-ounce glass of water. The dose depends on your weight and type of cancer. Tamoxifen is sometimes used to treat advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.

This content has been reviewed and approved by Myo Thant, MD.

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
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