What is the main purpose of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer treatment?

The primary purpose of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer treatment is to reduce hormone levels associated with cancer growth. Prostate cancer is often driven by androgens, such as testosterone, which promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. By lowering the levels of these hormones, ADT inhibits the cancer's ability to grow and spread.

ADT can be accomplished through various methods, including medication that blocks hormone production or action, surgical castration, or a combination of both. The therapy aims to achieve a state of castration or significantly lower testosterone levels, thus limiting the cancer’s progression and enhancing the overall management of the disease.

While there are other treatments and strategies for prostate cancer management, the focus of ADT is specifically on lowering androgen levels to control the disease rather than stimulating hormone production or trying to eliminate all cancer cells directly. Enhancing the efficacy of radiation treatment is also a strategy that may be employed in conjunction with ADT, but it is not the main purpose of the therapy itself.