Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
adjuvant therapy
Additional treatment given after primary surgery to reduce recurrence risk.
Full Definition
Adjuvant therapy in head and neck oncology typically involves radiation therapy or chemoradiation administered following surgical resection to address microscopic residual disease and improve local-regional control. Indications include high-risk pathologic features such as positive margins, extracapsular extension, or multiple positive lymph nodes. The timing, modality, and duration of adjuvant treatment are determined by pathologic findings and patient factors. This approach contrasts with neoadjuvant therapy given before surgery.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from neoadjuvant (pre-operative) and concurrent (simultaneous) therapy.
In Context
- "Adjuvant chemoradiation was recommended based on the presence of extracapsular extension." — treatment recommendation
- "The patient completed adjuvant therapy six weeks following surgical recovery." — follow-up note
Also known as
post-operative therapy
supplementary treatment
Contrasted with
neoadjuvant therapy
primary treatment
Don't confuse with
neoadjuvant therapy
concurrent therapy