Hormonal Therapy for Kidney Cancer

Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate specific body functions. They are produced by various glands in the body and enter the blood stream, where they travel to other tissues and exert their influence. Hormonal therapy is used in cancer treatment to augment or interfere with the activity of certain hormones that can influence the growth of tumors.

Hormone therapy may be ordered to treat some patients with advanced-stage kidney cancer to help control cell growth and manage symptoms.

Hormone therapy is not considered an effective treatment for kidney cancer.

References

American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp?level=0 .

Bast R, Kufe D, Pollock R, et al, eds. Cancer Medicine. 5th ed. Hamilton, Ontario: BC Decker Inc; 2000.

Kidney Cancer Association website. Available at: http://www.kidneycancerassociation.org/ .

National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/ .

Revision Information

Reviewer: Mohei Abouzied, MD
Review Date: 09/2012
Update Date: 00/93/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.