Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a treatment for prostate cancer that reduces the levels of male hormones, called androgens, in the body. This therapy is used to slow down the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells, and is often used in combination with other treatments like radiation therapy or surgery.
Definitions
Androgen deprivation therapy is a type of hormone therapy used to treat prostate cancer. It works by reducing the levels of male hormones, such as testosterone, in the body. This can help slow down the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells.
Origin
Androgen deprivation therapy has been used to treat prostate cancer for over 70 years. The first hormone therapy for prostate cancer was developed in the 1940s, and since then, many different types of hormone therapies have been developed.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, androgen deprivation therapy is defined as “a treatment for prostate cancer that reduces the levels of androgens in the body.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the use of drugs or surgery to reduce the level of androgens in the body, used in the treatment of prostate cancer.”
Associations
Androgen deprivation therapy is often associated with side effects such as hot flashes, loss of libido, and fatigue. It can also increase the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Synonyms
Synonyms for androgen deprivation therapy include hormone therapy, androgen suppression therapy, and androgen ablation therapy.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for androgen deprivation therapy, but alternative treatments for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
The same root words
The root words for androgen deprivation therapy are androgen, which refers to male hormones like testosterone, and deprivation, which means to remove or reduce something. Other medical terms that use the root word androgen include androgen receptor, androgen insensitivity syndrome, and androgenic alopecia.
Example Sentences
- “My doctor recommended androgen deprivation therapy as part of my treatment plan for prostate cancer.”
- “Androgen deprivation therapy can have side effects like hot flashes and fatigue.”
- “I’m considering androgen deprivation therapy, but I’m worried about the long-term effects on my bone health.”
Androgen deprivation therapy is a treatment for prostate cancer that reduces the levels of male hormones in the body. While it can be effective in slowing down the growth and spread of cancer cells, it can also have side effects and long-term risks. Patients should discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of this treatment with their doctor before making a decision.