Course Content
Module 1 — Principles of Hormone Therapy in Oncology
Mechanism and Dosing Overview Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs): block the enzyme aromatase (CYP19A1), which converts androgens to estrogens in adipose and peripheral tissues. Examples: Anastrozole 1 mg orally daily, Letrozole 2.5 mg orally daily, Exemestane 25 mg orally daily. These are the preferred agents in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs): such as Tamoxifen 20 mg orally daily — bind the estrogen receptor and act as antagonists in breast tissue but partial agonists in bone and endometrium. Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs): such as Fulvestrant 500 mg intramuscularly on days 0, 14, 28, then every 28 days thereafter — promote estrogen receptor degradation. CYP17 Inhibitors: Abiraterone acetate 1000 mg orally daily on an empty stomach plus Prednisone 5 mg orally twice daily — block the CYP17A1 enzyme, suppressing androgen synthesis in adrenal glands and tumors. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists and Antagonists: Leuprolide 7.5 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks or depot every 3–6 months; Degarelix 240 mg subcutaneously loading dose, then 80 mg every 4 weeks; Relugolix 120 mg orally daily — suppress testosterone or estrogen production by downregulating or directly blocking pituitary gonadotropin release.
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Hormone Therapy for Cancer Patients: Mechanisms, Indications, and Clinical Practice

Team communication essentials

  • Radiation oncologist: know hormone start/stop date → adjust simulation volume.

  • Medical oncologist: plan systemic sequencing to avoid double myelosuppression.

  • Nursing / endocrinology: coordinate bone, metabolic, sexual-health follow-ups.

Follow-up intervals

Therapy Key follow-ups Frequency
AI / SERD DEXA, lipids, LFT q 6 mo
ADT ± AR antagonist PSA, testosterone, glucose, DEXA q 3–6 mo
After combined RT + HT PSA / estradiol monitoring + QoL scores (IPSS, FACT-P) q 6 mo first 2 y

Documentation tips

  • Record: start & stop dates, adverse events ≥ Grade 2, reason for changes, next review date.

  • Share same dataset with radiation & medical oncology EMR sections.