Hormone-dependent tumours are the ones where the cancer cells depend on the female reproductive hormones for growth. More the hormones secreted by the ovaries, more aggressive is their growth. There are certain markers that denote the nature of a tumour, its grade and highlight its chances of recurrence. Hormone receptors like the estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) are indicative of the same. In women who are ER, PR positive, the tumours are graded as hormone-dependent tumours. The only positive thing about the hormone-dependent tumours is that they respond to hormone medications or therapy, unlike the non-hormone dependent tumours. Here is all you need to know about the four different stages and treatment of breast cancer.
Here Dr Vedant Kabra Director, Department of Surgical Oncology, Fortis La Femme and Fortis Memorial Research Institute tells us how hormone-dependent tumours are treated to prevent recurrence.
Hormone treatment can be done in the following ways:
Blocking the action of hormones: This is done by giving tablets or injections. The drug is given after taking into consideration the age, menopausal status of the woman and the stage of the disease. In pre-menopausal women with breast cancer, certain patients may benefit by suppressing the ovarian function in addition to the medicines.
Suppressing ovarian function: If the ovaries are suppressed it will not secrete the hormones that initiate a tumour growth. This can be done by certain injections that temporarily suppress ovarian function known as GnRH (Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone) analogues and need to be given every month or every three months depending upon the dose used and stage of cancer. This is a preferred over permanent ablation (or surgical removal of ovaries) in young patients (to avoid early menopause). Ovarian suppression is also used for a young patient who is undergoing chemotherapy to prevent ovaries from becoming dysfunctional due to side-effects of the same. Here are 10 tips to cope with breast cancer.
Ablation of ovarian function: This is a permanent solution and is done for people who don t usually respond well to medication despite being hormone dependent. In this form of treatment, the ovaries are removed surgically or shrunk with radiation. Since the ovaries are not present there are no hormones secreted to initiate the growth of the cancer cells. However, this is usually suggested to menopausal women or to women who don t respond to the first two modes of treatment.
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