adjuvant therapy
Additional cancer treatment given after primary therapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
Full Definition
Adjuvant therapy refers to supplementary cancer treatment administered following the primary intervention, typically surgery, to eliminate any remaining microscopic cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk. Common adjuvant treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. The decision to pursue adjuvant therapy depends on cancer stage, grade, molecular characteristics, and individual patient factors. This approach contrasts with neoadjuvant therapy, which is given before primary treatment.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase unless beginning a sentence; distinguish clearly from neoadjuvant therapy in timing contexts.
In Context
- "Following successful tumor resection, the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy to prevent recurrence." — Treatment summary
- "The oncology team recommended adjuvant radiation therapy based on positive surgical margins." — Multidisciplinary team note