Intermediate
Technical
IVT
adjuvant therapy
Additional cancer treatment given after primary treatment to reduce risk of recurrence.
Full Definition
Adjuvant therapy refers to supplementary cancer treatment administered following the primary treatment (typically surgery) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the likelihood of disease recurrence. This approach is used when there is a risk that microscopic cancer cells may remain in the body after the main treatment. Common forms include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the cancer type and stage.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase unless beginning a sentence. Often confused with neoadjuvant therapy, which is given before primary treatment.
In Context
- "The patient will begin adjuvant chemotherapy six weeks post-surgery." — Treatment plan documentation
- "Adjuvant radiation therapy significantly improved disease-free survival rates." — Clinical trial report
Also known as
supplementary treatment
additional therapy
Contrasted with
neoadjuvant therapy
primary treatment
Don't confuse with
neoadjuvant therapy