Final answer:
Hormonal therapy is often used for hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer, and it works by blocking hormone production or action. Common agents include Tamoxifen, Aromatase inhibitors, and Fulvestrant.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hormonal therapy is a treatment option primarily used for cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer. The mechanism of action involves either blocking the body's ability to produce hormones or interfering with how hormones behave in the body. This can be an effective approach because certain hormones can promote cancer growth.
Commonly used hormonal agents for cancer treatment include:
- Tamoxifen
- Aromatase inhibitors
- Fulvestrant
- Leuprolide (Lupron)
- Flutamide
Each of these agents has a specific role in cancer treatment and is selected based on the type of cancer and the individual characteristics of the patient. For example, tamoxifen is frequently used in breast cancer, while estrogens can be part of prostate cancer treatment.