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

Why it matters: survival only counts if patients still want the life they’re living.

Domain Typical impact Tools to measure Key interventions
Fatigue / vitality Mild–moderate (25–40 %) EORTC QLQ-C30 Fatigue scale Exercise ≥ 150 min/week, sleep hygiene
Sexual health Libido loss > 60 % men on ADT FACT-P, IPSS PDE-5 inhibitors, counseling
Bone / musculoskeletal Pain, fracture risk BMD on DEXA Bisphosphonate / Denosumab
Cognitive / mood “Brain fog”, depression ~30 % HADS, PHQ-9 Physical activity, SSRIs/SNRIs
Financial Copay burden EQ-5D + local surveys Generic drugs, public reimbursement pathways

Rule of thumb: review QoL every 6 months and document in chart like a vital sign.