Hormone Therapy for Endometrial Cancer

Hormone therapy is the use of drugs that block hormones that drive cancer growth. In endometrial cancer, it often takes the form of progesterone in pill form. Other drugs may be an option too. It is used after or in place of surgery.

These are the hormone therapy drugs that are used most often to treat endometrial cancer. New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list.

Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. Each hormone therapy drug has its own set of side effects and ways of working. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your healthcare team. Be sure to tell your healthcare team about any side effects you do have.

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All Available Treatments

IV (through a vein) =      Pill =

Treatment Type

Progestins

Drug Names
Megace® (Megestrol Acetate) (Pill)
Provera® (Medroxyprogesterone acetate) (Pill,IV)
Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device (IUD)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Blood clots
Potential Side Effects
Hot flashes Weight/appetite changes Blood sugar changes Emotional or cognitive changes
Important Things to Know

  • Birth control should be used while using these medications.

     

Treatment Type

Aromatase Inhibitor (AIs)

Drug Names
Femara® (Letrozole) (Pill)
Arimidex® (Anastrozole) (Pill)
Aromasin® (Exemestane) (Pill)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Heart problems
Potential Side Effects
Joint pain/stiffness Muscle pain Emotional or cognitive changes Menopausal symptoms Hot flashes
Important Things to Know

  • If taken for a long period of time, these drugs can weaken bone, leading to osteoporosis.

     

Treatment Type

Anti-Estrogen Drug

Drug Names
Nolvadex® (Tamoxifen) (Pill)
Faslodex® (Fulvestrant) (IV)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Blood clots
Potential Side Effects
Menopausal symptoms Headache Nausea/vomiting Fatigue/weakness Weight/appetite changes Muscle pain Bone pain
Important Things to Know
  • These drugs have a potential severe side effect of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

  • These drugs can be used to treat advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.  

     

Treatment Type

CDK 4/6 Inhibitors

Drug Names
Kisqali® (Ribociclib) (Pill)
Verzenio® (Abemaciclib) (Pill)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Lung problems
Potential Side Effects
Low blood counts Fatigue/weakness Nausea/vomiting Mouth sores Hair thinning/loss Diarrhea Headache
Important Things to Know
  • Mouth sores are a potential side effect that can be painful and affect your oral intake. Speak to your provider about proactive management and an oral care regimen.

  • These drugs are for those with hormone receptor-positive endometrial cancer.