In medicine, the acronym ADT refers to Androgen Deprivation Therapy. This specific type of medical treatment aims to reduce the levels or block the effects of certain hormones in the body. It represents a targeted approach to managing specific health conditions.
What ADT Stands For
ADT stands for Androgen Deprivation Therapy. Androgens are a group of hormones, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), primarily associated with male characteristics. While predominantly found in males, androgens are also present in females. These hormones are mainly produced in the testes in males, and in smaller amounts by the adrenal glands in both sexes. Deprivation therapy means actively reducing the presence or influence of these androgen hormones.
Why and How It’s Used
Androgen Deprivation Therapy is primarily used to treat prostate cancer. Prostate cancer cells often rely on androgens, especially testosterone, to grow and multiply. By reducing these hormones, ADT can slow or shrink prostate cancer. While not a cure on its own, ADT is effective in managing the disease.
ADT can be used at various stages of prostate cancer. It is a standard treatment for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate. It can also be combined with radiation therapy for localized or locally advanced prostate cancer, or used if the cancer returns after initial treatments. The therapy aims to suppress the cancer’s growth by eliminating its primary fuel source.
Common Approaches to ADT
Androgen Deprivation Therapy can be achieved through surgical or medical methods, both designed to lower androgen levels. Surgical ADT involves an orchiectomy, the removal of the testicles, where most testosterone is produced. This procedure offers an immediate and permanent reduction in testosterone. While effective, it is less frequently chosen due to its permanent nature and psychological impact.
Medical ADT involves using medications to suppress androgen production or block their effects. LHRH (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) agonists stop the pituitary gland from signaling the testes to produce testosterone; these injections can initially cause a temporary rise in testosterone before levels drop. LHRH antagonists are another type of medication that directly block the release of hormones that stimulate testosterone production, avoiding the initial surge. Anti-androgens are medications that block testosterone from binding to androgen receptors on cancer cells, preventing cancer growth. These can be used alone or in combination with other ADT approaches.
Managing Treatment and Side Effects
Undergoing ADT can lead to a range of side effects due to the reduction in androgen levels. Common experiences include hot flashes, fatigue, and a reduced sex drive, often accompanied by erectile dysfunction. Patients may also notice changes in body composition, such as decreased muscle mass and increased body fat, along with potential bone thinning (osteoporosis). Some individuals might experience mood changes, including depression, and cognitive alterations.
Healthcare providers actively manage these side effects to improve a patient’s quality of life. Strategies can include lifestyle adjustments, such as exercise and dietary recommendations, and specific medications to alleviate symptoms like hot flashes or bone loss. Regular monitoring, including blood tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone levels, is part of the treatment plan to assess the therapy’s effectiveness and guide ongoing care.