consolidation therapy
Intensive treatment given after initial remission to eliminate remaining cancer cells and prevent relapse.
Full Definition
Consolidation therapy, also known as post-remission therapy, is intensive treatment administered after achieving initial remission with induction therapy. The goal is to eliminate minimal residual disease and prevent relapse by targeting cancer cells that may remain undetected after initial treatment. In acute leukemia, consolidation typically involves multiple cycles of high-dose chemotherapy, which may be followed by maintenance therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The specific consolidation regimen depends on the type of cancer, patient age, risk stratification, and initial treatment response.
Usage
Usage note: Two words, not hyphenated when used as a noun; may be hyphenated when used as compound modifier (consolidation-therapy protocol).
In Context
- "The patient will receive four cycles of consolidation therapy with high-dose cytarabine." — Treatment plan
- "Consolidation therapy was well-tolerated with manageable hematologic toxicity." — Treatment summary