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LHRH agonists versus LHRH ANTAGONISTS

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contact CSN Member Posts: 12 Member
in Prostate Cancer #1

prostate cancer hormone therapy drugs

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  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama CSN Member Posts: 3,788 Member
    edited February 16 #2

    Hi,

    I wonder if you are looking for a specific drug's name or for the differences of the effects between agonists and antagonists.

    There are several agonists being Lupron and the Eligard the most traditional ones. Firmagon is the most traditional antagonist.

    They work differently but achieve the same results. Agonists flood the pituitary with LH hormones creating havoc so the pituitary stops sending requests to the testes to produce testosterone, where the antagonists stick to the pituitary Gn hormones receptors (AR) prohibiting this from sending the request to the testes to produce testosterone.

    Without androgens in circulation, the bandit freeze out and keeps "quiet" (dormant).

    The side effects from agonists and antagonists are similar but antagonists are heart friendlier. However, antagonists are taken on daily base or monthy, whether agonists are supplied for longer periods of 3, 4 and 6 months doses. You don't need to visit the doctor every month.

    Another important difference is that LHRH agonists cause initial "flare" (a sudden increase of testosterone) during the initial week after administration requiring to be administrated together with a antiandrogen. GnRH antagonists do not cause "flare".

    Most of the symptoms experienced in hormonal treatment come from the hypogonadism (chemical castration) situation.

    Let us know what you are looking for.

    Best

    VVG

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  • contact
    contact CSN Member Posts: 12 Member
    #3

    Morning,

    That is the explanation I was looking for the difference between the two because of the side effects being the Flare Im thinking if some side effects can be eliminated it might help me in making a decision to do Hormone therapy or just stick to radiation. Right now they say three months than possibly another three etc.

    This forum has been great to learn so any more info VVG will be helpful.

    Thank You

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  • VascodaGama
    VascodaGama CSN Member Posts: 3,788 Member
    #4

    Contact,

    Most oncologists follow the protocols from the institution/hospital where they work or from the associations where they belong. These are guidelines, that provide recommendations for health care professionals to ensure safe and effective treatment for cancer patients. It is a collective affair not an individual choice.

    Typically, urologists follow the guidelines of AUA, and radiologists follow the guidelines of ASTRO.

    However, in terms of cancer treatment, the majority also follow the NCCN recommendations for Clinical Practice.

    In doing so doctors may avoid a court case of malpractice.

    I have no details of your case or even know the basis for the reason that took you to chose radiotherapy, but I can say that both protocols: (RT + HT) and (RT alone) are recommended. The added hormonal treatment (HT) administered concomitant with RT has shown in trials that it improves the the overall treatment. However, it is the RT that kills the bandit.

    The best success has been shown in those that started HT and two months later did RT.

    You should discuss the matter and get advice from your oncologist.

    Best wishes for complete cure and success.

    VG

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  • contact
    contact CSN Member Posts: 12 Member
    #5

    Thank you and I will follow threw

    Ron

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