cytoreductive surgery
Surgical procedure aimed at removing as much visible tumor as possible to reduce tumor burden.
Full Definition
Cytoreductive surgery, also known as debulking surgery, is a fundamental treatment approach in neuro-oncology where the surgeon removes as much of the tumor mass as safely possible. The goal is to reduce the overall tumor burden, which can improve the effectiveness of subsequent treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In brain tumors, the extent of cytoreduction often correlates with survival outcomes, though the procedure must be balanced against the risk of neurological deficits. Complete cytoreduction is rarely achievable in infiltrative brain tumors, making this distinct from gross total resection.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from gross total resection by the acknowledgment that complete removal is not achieved.
In Context
- "The patient underwent cytoreductive surgery with 90% tumor removal achieved." — Operative report
- "Cytoreductive surgery was followed by adjuvant temozolomide therapy." — Treatment plan