neoadjuvant therapy
Pronunciation: NEE-oh-AD-juh-vant
Treatment given before the primary treatment to shrink a tumor or reduce cancer stage.
Full Definition
Neoadjuvant therapy refers to treatment administered before the main treatment, typically surgery, with the goal of shrinking tumors, reducing cancer stage, or making surgical resection more feasible. This approach is commonly used in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and other solid tumors where initial tumor size or location makes surgery challenging. Neoadjuvant therapy may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. The treatment response can provide valuable prognostic information and may influence subsequent treatment decisions.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from adjuvant therapy, which is given after primary treatment.
In Context
- "The patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy to downsize the tumor before surgical resection." — Treatment plan
- "Neoadjuvant therapy achieved a pathologic complete response in 25% of patients." — Clinical study report