Leuprolide

Definition of leuprolide acetate

leuprolide acetate

(LOO-proh-lide A-seh-tayt)
A drug used to treat prostate cancer, problems with the endometrium (lining of the uterus), and uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths of the uterus). It is also being studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer. Leuprolide acetate keeps the body from making the hormones luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This causes the testicles to stop making testosterone (a male hormone) in men, and the ovaries to stop making estradiol (a form of the hormone estrogen) in women. Leuprolide acetate may stop the growth of cancer cells that need testosterone to grow and stop the growth of endometrial tissue and uterine fibroids. It is a type of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. Also called Eligard and Lupron Depot.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms