Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)

Given as injections or implants that shut down the signal from the brain, as tablets that block the hormone at the cancer cell, or by removing the testicles. It is used with radiotherapy for higher-risk localised disease, for six months to three years, and continuously once the cancer has spread. It controls the cancer rather than curing it, and its effects on hot flushes, bone, heart, weight, muscle and mood last for as long as it is taken and for months to years afterwards.