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Treatment Options > Chemotherapy > OncoLink Rx

Degarelix

Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN?
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania?
Last Modified: January 5, 2009

Facts about degarelix

Most prostate cancers need supplies of the male hormone testosterone to grow. Testosterone is an androgen produced by the testes and adrenal glands. The production of testosterone can be stopped by surgically removing the testicles or through medication therapy. Luteinizing hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone blockers (i.e. GnRH blockers) prevent the pituitary gland from receiving the signal to produce luteinizing hormone. This, in turn, reduces the production of testosterone in men. Prostate cancer cells may then grow more slowly or stop growing altogether. Degarelix is a type of GnRH blocker. Degarelix is approved for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

How to take degarelix

Degarelix is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) every 4 weeks. Two injections are given for the first dose. Subsequent doses are one injection. The injection is designed to slowly release the medication over the next 4 weeks.

How long should degarelix be taken?

Degarelix can be given for a period of weeks or even years. It is often given until the cancer is no longer responding to it and starts to grow again. Discuss your particular situation with your healthcare team.