Ovarian Cancer Treatment: Hormone Therapy

Hormone Therapy for Ovarian Cancer

Just as female hormones are used in some instances to fight prostate cancer, hormones and hormone-blocking drugs are sometimes used in the treatment of ovarian cancer, primarily stromal tumors. The three primary types of hormones or hormone-blocking drugs which are used to treat ovarian stromal tumors are:

• Luteinizing-hormone-releasing hormone agonists—LHRH—can help turn off the production of estrogen in the ovaries. Especially among women who are premenopausal, LHRH agonists are used to lower estrogen levels. Lupron and Zoladex are the two primary times of LHRH agonists, and whichever drug is used will be injected every 1-3 months. The side effects are the same as the side effects experienced by women going through menopause—hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Osteoporosis can result if the drug is taken for a significant amount of time (years).
• Tamoxifen is a drug most women associate with the treatment of breast cancer although it can be used to treat ovarian stromal tumors, and, rarely, epithelial ovarian cancer. Tamoxifen acts as an anti-estrogen in the tissues, keeping estrogens which circulate in a woman’s body from stimulating the growth of cancer cells. Hot flashes and vaginal dryness are common side effects, and more rarely, the drug can cause blood clots to form in the legs.
• Aromatase inhibitors block aromatase, an enzyme which converts other hormones into estrogen among postmenopausal women. Aromatase inhibitors don’t prevent the ovaries from making estrogen so are only helpful for women who have gone through menopause. Aromatase inhibitors are primarily used to treat breast cancer, but can also be used for stromal tumors which have come back after the initial cancer treatment. The aromatase inhibitors include Femara, Arimidex and Aromasin, and are taken as pills once a day. The side effects of aromatase inhibitors include:
  • Hot flashes;
  • Muscle pain;
  • Joint pain;
  • Thinning bones, and
  • Osteoporosis.

Baby Powder with Talc: Why have there been Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits?

In May, the third Johnson & Johnson talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit was decided in favor of the plaintiff, Gloria Ristesund. Ristesund was awarded $55 million–$5 million in compensatory damages and $50 million in punitive damages. Ristesund said she had used J & J talcum powder for feminine hygiene for more than three decades, and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2011. Just months prior to the Ristesund trial, the family of Jacqueline Fox brought a wrongful death claim against Johnson & Johnson. A Missouri jury awarded the family $72 million–$10 million in compensatory damages, and $62 million in punitive damages.

The award came after the jury heard Fox’s deposition in which she claimed she had also used Johnson & Johnson baby powder with talc and Shower to Shower, for more than three decades for feminine hygiene. The first Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit was heard in 2013. A jury found in favor of Deane Berg, agreeing that Johnson & Johnson had exhibited a failure to warn regarding the potential risks of talcum powder, however awarded Berg no financial compensation. Sometimes called “baby powder cancer,” it appears there are a number of studies backing up the link between talc and ovarian cancer.

Women who have developed talc cancer may want to consider filing a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit. There are currently more than 1,200 talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuits pending. Although some people believe Johnson & Johnson may decide to settle the pending lawsuits, considering how the first three trials have gone, J & J continues to maintain their talcum powder is safe, and even says they will appeal the trial decisions. It is likely there are many women across the nation who already have ovarian cancer and wonder if talcum powder was a contributor, or who have used talcum powder (talc is found in baby powder with talc and in “Shower to Shower”) for feminine hygiene for years and wonder if they have a higher risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. There appear to be as many questions as answers for women.

Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Legal Help and Information: Finding a Baby Powder Cancer Lawyer

If you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and you used talcum powder for feminine hygiene, it could be beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable talcum powder ovarian cancer attorney. Obtaining this type of experienced talcum powder ovarian cancer legal help you get the answers you deserve, and an attorney may be able to file a talcum powder ovarian cancer lawsuit on your behalf, if warranted. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.