neoadjuvant therapy
Treatment administered before primary surgical intervention to reduce tumor size, improve resectability, or target micrometastatic disease.
Full Definition
Neoadjuvant therapy in neurosurgical oncology refers to medical treatment given before the primary surgical procedure, typically involving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted agents. The goals include reducing tumor size to make resection safer or more complete, treating potential micrometastatic disease early, and assessing tumor response to therapy. This approach is particularly considered for large or strategically located tumors where initial surgery would carry high morbidity risk. Neoadjuvant therapy can help convert inoperable tumors to operable ones and may provide prognostic information based on treatment response. The strategy requires careful coordination between neurosurgical, medical, and radiation oncology teams.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with adjuvant therapy; neoadjuvant specifically means before primary treatment.
In Context
- "Neoadjuvant therapy with temozolomide and radiation reduced the tumor size by 40% prior to resection." — treatment summary
- "The multidisciplinary team recommended neoadjuvant therapy for this large eloquent area tumor." — treatment planning