Hormone therapy in combination with radiation therapy for prostate cancer: is it the right choice for you?

As a radiation oncologist, I see men with prostate cancer every day who are facing a difficult decision: should I opt for hormone therapy (ADT) in addition to radiation therapy?

The guidelines seem clear. Hormone therapy improves outcomes, especially for men with multiple risk factors. That’s why the advice is almost always: go ahead and do it. But should you always follow that advice without question? For example, what impact will hormone therapy have on your life?

A choice that doesn't feel like a choice

Many patients are told that additional treatment with hormone therapy is the best option, but they are not told that this is a decision that depends on what matters most to you. Hormone therapy can make radiation therapy more effective, but lowering testosterone levels also changes how you feel and function. Common side effects include:

• Fatigue and low energy

• Muscle loss and reduced physical strength

• Loss of libido and mood swings

For some, that’s an acceptable trade-off: better outcomes in exchange for manageable side effects. For others, these changes are too much to bear in practice—especially when they learn that the benefits are often very limited.

Making a choice that's right for you

Medical protocols are valuable, but they shouldn’t lead to a one-size-fits-all recommendation. Your life, your priorities, and your vision for the future should guide your decisions. The question isn’t just, “Is hormone therapy effective?” but rather,“Is hormone therapy the right choice for me?”

Do you want to make an informed decision that fits your life and your wishes? Mauro will help you understand your options and make the choice that’s right for you.