Hormonal therapies: Overview
Hormones are substances that occur naturally in the body. They act as chemical messengers influencing the growth and activity of cells. Hormones are produced by a number of different organs or glands which together are known as the endocrine system.
Hormonal therapies act by altering the production or activity of particular hormones in the body. They are most commonly used to treat breast and prostate cancer. The type of hormone therapy given depends on the type of cancer being treated.
There are several different types of hormonal therapy. Our section on individual therapies provides more detailed information about each particular treatment.
patient information guide: Hormonal therapies
Book
| Tamoxifen and breast cancer | |
| Author | DeGregorio, Michael and Wiebe, Valerie J |
| Publisher | Yale University Press |
| Description | This book covers the history and evolution of breast cancer, how tamoxifen works, what the side effects are and why tamoxifen treatment is unsuccessful in some women. |
| ISBN | 0300079516 |
| Date | 2000 |
Booklets and factsheets
| Arimidex (anastrozole) | |
| Author | Breast Cancer Care |
| Description | Factsheet no 19 |
| Obtain from | Breast Cancer Care, Kiln House, 210 New King's Road, London SW6 4NZ Tel: 0808 800 6000 Email: info@breastcancercare.org.uk |
| URL | http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/home |
| Aromasin (exemestane) | |
| Author | Breast Cancer Care |
| Description | Factsheet no 30 |
| Obtain from | Breast Cancer Care, Kiln House, 210 New King's Road, London SW6 4NZ Tel: 0808 800 6000 Email: info@breastcancercare.org.uk |
| URL | http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/home |
| Individual hormonal therapies | |
| Author | Cancerbackup |
| Description | Various factsheets |
| Obtain from | Online versions available Order from Cancerbackup |
| Tamoxifen | |
| Author | Royal Marsden NHS Trust |
| Description | Leaflet |
| Obtain from | Hochland and Hochland Publications Ltd, 174A Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire WA15 9SF Tel: 0161 273 4156 Fax: 0161 929 1818 |
| Zoladex (goserelin) | |
| Author | Breast Cancer Care |
| Description | Factsheet no 21 |
| Obtain from | Breast Cancer Care, Kiln House, 210 New King's Road, London SW6 4NZ Tel: 0808 800 6000 Email: info@breastcancercare.org.uk |
| URL | http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/home |
