salvage therapy
Cancer treatment given after initial therapy has failed, typically involving more intensive or alternative therapeutic approaches.
Full Definition
Salvage therapy refers to treatment administered when primary or standard therapies have proven ineffective or when cancer has recurred after initial response. These regimens are often more intensive and may include higher doses of chemotherapy, alternative drug combinations, radiation therapy, or experimental approaches through clinical trials. Salvage therapy decisions consider factors such as patient performance status, prior treatment history, and potential for meaningful response. The term implies rescue treatment in challenging clinical situations where conventional approaches have been exhausted.
Usage
Usage note: Implies treatment after failure of standard approaches; distinguish from routine second-line therapy.
In Context
- "Given disease progression, the team recommended salvage chemotherapy with an experimental protocol." — Treatment plan
- "Salvage radiation therapy was considered after local recurrence following initial surgery." — Radiation oncology consultation