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How Long Lupron Injections Need To Be Continued For Prostate Cancer?

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Posted on Sat, 27 Sep 2014
Question: How long do you have to continue to take Lupron injections for prostate cancer (matastasized) once you start them. My husband was told he would have to be on them for the rest of his life, but a friend with prostate cancer was allowed to quit taking them because he didn't like the hot flashes.
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Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
As long as he can

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

I understand your concern.
Lupron is Leuprolide and acts by reducing the amount of Testosterone, the male sex hormone, the body makes. The spreading of Prostate cancer through metastases is dependent on testosterone. If testosterone is present there is more chance of the cancer spreading. If it is kept low by Lupron the chances of the cancer advancing is less. That is the reason the doctor advised your husband to take the injection for the rest of his life. So if the side effects are not very bad then I would also advise the same. Your friend has taken a risk of a disease spread by stopping the injections.
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to ask.
Best wishes,
Dr. Noble Zachariah
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
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Dr. Noble Zachariah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 2319 Questions

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How Long Lupron Injections Need To Be Continued For Prostate Cancer?

Brief Answer: As long as he can Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX I understand your concern. Lupron is Leuprolide and acts by reducing the amount of Testosterone, the male sex hormone, the body makes. The spreading of Prostate cancer through metastases is dependent on testosterone. If testosterone is present there is more chance of the cancer spreading. If it is kept low by Lupron the chances of the cancer advancing is less. That is the reason the doctor advised your husband to take the injection for the rest of his life. So if the side effects are not very bad then I would also advise the same. Your friend has taken a risk of a disease spread by stopping the injections. If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to ask. Best wishes, Dr. Noble Zachariah