neoadjuvant therapy
Pronunciation: NEE-oh-AD-juh-vant
Treatment given before primary surgery to shrink tumors and improve surgical outcomes.
Full Definition
Neoadjuvant therapy refers to systemic treatment administered before the primary surgical intervention, typically chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy given before breast surgery. The goals include reducing tumor size to enable breast-conserving surgery instead of mastectomy, eliminating micrometastases, and assessing tumor response to treatment. Neoadjuvant therapy is particularly beneficial for locally advanced breast cancers, inflammatory breast cancer, and large tumors relative to breast size. Response to neoadjuvant therapy also provides valuable prognostic information.
Usage
Usage note: Do not hyphenate; distinguish carefully from adjuvant therapy.
In Context
- "Neoadjuvant therapy achieved a complete pathological response." — Treatment summary
- "The patient will receive four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy." — Treatment plan