Hormone Therapy for Cancer Patients: Mechanisms, Indications, and Clinical Practice

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About Course

This course provides a comprehensive, evidence-based overview of hormone therapy in oncology, with emphasis on clinical indications, molecular mechanisms, therapeutic combinations, and patient management. Designed for practicing oncologists, radiation oncologists, and residents, it explores when to initiate or discontinue treatment, how to tailor therapy by cancer type and biological markers, and how to mitigate adverse reactions.
Interactive quizzes consolidate learning and prepare participants for clinical decision-making in multidisciplinary settings.

Level: Intermediate
Language: English
Duration: ~6–8 hours
Assessment: Multiple quizzes + final evaluation

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.

Module 2 — Hormone Therapy by Tumor Type (Breast & Prostate)

Module 3 — Treatment Timing and Duration

Module 4 — Adverse Reactions and Mitigation

Module 5 — Integration with Radiotherapy and Systemic Therapy

Module 6 — Outcomes, Risks & Future Directions

Module 7 — Appendices & Clinical Tools

🧩 Core Course Content
6 structured learning modules (each with multiple concise lessons):
Principles of Hormone Therapy in Oncology
Hormone Therapy by Tumor Type – Breast & Prostate
Treatment Timing and Duration
Adverse Reactions and Mitigation
Integration with Radiotherapy and Systemic Therapy
Outcomes, Risks & Future Directions
🧠 Interactive Assessments
6 clinical-case quizzes (5–6 single-best-answer questions each) with instant explanations.
Final cumulative understanding check built into Module 6.
Passing threshold pre-set at 80 % with randomized question order.
📋 Clinical Appendices
A.1 Drug Dosing Quick Reference Table — concise dosing, routes, intervals, and French trade names.
A.2 Adverse Effect Management Checklist — early detection and intervention guide.
A.3 Quality of Life Assessment Toolkit — validated QoL scales (EORTC QLQ-C30, FACT-P, IPSS, HADS, PHQ-9, SF-36).
📚 Supplementary Resources
Embedded guideline anchors (NCCN 2025, ESMO 2024, ASCO 2023-2024).
Reference tables for bone health, metabolic monitoring, and fertility counseling.
Patient-communication templates for treatment education and informed-consent discussions.
Glossary of Abbreviations covering >40 key pharmacologic and biomarker terms.

🧭 Additional Requirements & Special Instructions for Students
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of oncology terminology, staging, and systemic therapy principles.
Familiarity with common laboratory parameters (LFTs, renal profile, hormonal assays).
Optional but helpful: prior exposure to radiotherapy planning or systemic treatment sequencing.
Technical Requirements
A stable internet connection and modern web browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox).
Access to your institution’s or personal Tutor LMS account.
If using institutional computers, ensure access to external guideline websites (NCCN, ESMO).
Course Navigation Tips
Proceed through modules sequentially — later quizzes draw from earlier material.
“Mark as Complete” each lesson to unlock the next module.
You can revisit any completed module freely for review.
Quizzes allow two attempts per module; rationales appear after submission.
Assessment & Certification
Each module quiz must be passed with ≥ 80 %.
Professional Conduct & Academic Integrity
Discussion forums are for clinical reasoning, not patient-specific consultations.
Respect confidentiality: never share identifiable case details.
Cite any additional data you contribute in forums (journal, DOI, or guideline reference).
Support & Communication
Technical issues → contact the course administrator through the site “Help” menu.
Clinical questions → use the integrated Q&A section under each lesson.
Feedback is actively monitored and contributes to course updates (annually reviewed).
Time Commitment
Approx. 6 hours total (lessons + quizzes + appendices review).
Designed for flexible, self-paced study — ideal for completion over 1–2 days.

Primary Audience
Radiation oncologists and medical oncologists seeking an integrated, evidence-based understanding of hormone therapy across tumor types.
Oncology residents and fellows in training who need a concise, guideline-aligned resource to connect biological mechanisms with clinical decisions.
Urologists and gynecologic oncologists involved in prostate, breast, and endometrial cancer management who require cross-disciplinary fluency in endocrine principles.
Secondary Audience
Endocrinologists, internists, and family physicians managing cancer survivors on long-term endocrine therapy (monitoring, toxicity, metabolic care).
Pharmacists and advanced practice nurses in oncology settings, responsible for patient education, drug safety, and side-effect mitigation.
Radiation oncology technologists and dosimetrists interested in how hormone therapy affects anatomy, motion, and dosimetry planning.