Bicalutamide

Definition

Bicalutamide is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen medication primarily used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It works by blocking the action of the male hormone testosterone, which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bicalutamide is typically used in combination with other medications, such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists, to treat advanced prostate cancer.
2. It is also sometimes used in the treatment of breast cancer in men, as well as in feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women.
3. Bicalutamide works by binding to androgen receptors in the body, preventing testosterone from activating them and fueling the growth of cancer cells.
4. Side effects of bicalutamide can include hot flashes, breast tenderness, and liver function abnormalities, among others.
5. Monitoring of liver function is important during bicalutamide treatment, as it can sometimes cause liver damage.

Review Questions

• Explain how bicalutamide's mechanism of action relates to its use in the treatment of prostate cancer.
  • Bicalutamide is an antiandrogen medication that works by blocking the action of testosterone, the primary male hormone. In prostate cancer, testosterone can fuel the growth and progression of cancer cells. By binding to androgen receptors and preventing testosterone from activating them, bicalutamide helps to slow or stop the growth of prostate cancer cells. This makes it an important component of hormone therapy regimens used to manage advanced prostate cancer.
• Describe the role of bicalutamide in feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women.
  • In addition to its use in prostate cancer treatment, bicalutamide can also be used in feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women. In this context, bicalutamide helps to block the effects of testosterone, allowing estrogen-based therapies to have a more pronounced feminizing effect on the body. By inhibiting the action of testosterone, bicalutamide can help transgender women develop female secondary sex characteristics, such as breast development and redistribution of body fat, as part of their gender-affirming transition.
• Analyze the potential side effects of bicalutamide and the importance of monitoring liver function during treatment.
  • Bicalutamide can have several side effects, including hot flashes, breast tenderness, and liver function abnormalities. Because bicalutamide can sometimes cause liver damage, close monitoring of liver function tests is crucial during treatment. Healthcare providers will typically order regular blood tests to assess liver enzyme levels and ensure that the liver is not being adversely affected by the medication. Prompt recognition and management of any liver function issues are important to prevent more serious complications and ensure the safe and effective use of bicalutamide in the treatment of prostate cancer or for feminizing hormone therapy.

Related terms

Antiandrogen: A class of drugs that block the action of male hormones, such as testosterone, to prevent their effects on the body.

Prostate Cancer: A type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid.

Hormone Therapy:

The use of medications that target hormones or hormone-related processes to treat certain types of cancer, such as prostate cancer.