Lupron is a drug used in prostate cancer patients to block the effects of testosterone in the body. Hormonal therapy is not new to prostate cancer treatment, as it has been successful in lowering the PSA levels in patients that were not responsive to other therapies. Sometimes surgery is not enough and hormone therapy must be introduced to keep these levels at an acceptable number.

Lupron can be injected intermittently or continuously, though there is some debate over which method is more beneficial. Lupron reduces the overall amount of testosterone in the body, which is necessary to prevent the cancer cells from multiplying. There are of course some side effects to this type of therapy that men may struggle with, and they include hot flashes, impotence, mood swings, breast enlargement, and fatigue.

Lupron for Prostate Cancer Management

In some patients, the side effects are bad enough that intervention is necessary. In such cases, the patient may be advised to wear an estrogen patch. Wearing such a patch can decrease hot flashes, mood swings, and other menopausal-like symptoms that reduce the man's quality of life.

Zometa may be given by injection to prevent bone loss in men who are on a Lupron therapy program. Since osteoporosis is a side effect of hormone therapy, men may need this FDA-approved drug to minimize bone loss. Lupron may be an effective treatment for you if you are facing the fight against prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor and weigh the pros and cons of this type of treatment versus other therapies.