Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapy involves administering substances that prevent cancer cells from receiving or using the hormones that they need to grow. Before therapy begins, the provider may request a hormone receptor test. This special lab test of uterine tissue helps the provider determine if estrogen and progesterone receptors are present. If the tissue has receptors, the patient is more likely to respond to hormonal therapy.

Hormonal therapy is considered a systemic therapy because it can affect cancer cells throughout the body. Usually, hormonal therapy is a type of progesterone taken as a pill.

Providers may use hormonal therapy for women with uterine cancer who are unable to have surgery or radiation therapy. Also, the provider may give hormonal therapy to women with uterine cancer that has spread to the lungs or other distant sites. It is also given to women with uterine cancer that has recurred.