Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a cornerstone of treatment for prostate cancer, which often relies on androgens (male hormones like testosterone) to stimulate the growth of cancer cells. By reducing androgen levels in the body, ADT effectively slows or stops the progression of prostate cancer.

ADT can be accomplished through various methods, including surgical castration (orchiectomy) or medication that blocks the production or action of androgens. Since prostate cancer is typically sensitive to androgens, targeting this hormone pathway is a critical strategy in managing the disease.

Other options, such as estrogen therapy, are not commonly used first-line treatments for prostate cancer; they may have been utilized in the past but are not standard practice today. Progesterone therapy is more relevant in other cancer types, specifically those related to the reproductive system, and GnRH agonists serve as a specific method of androgen deprivation but fall under the broader category of ADT. Thus, while GnRH agonists can be a part of ADT, the question refers to the overarching strategy of using ADT for treating prostate cancer, making it the most accurate choice.