adjuvant therapy
Additional cancer treatment given after primary surgical treatment to reduce recurrence risk.
Full Definition
Adjuvant therapy encompasses supplemental cancer treatments administered following primary surgical resection to eliminate microscopic residual disease and reduce the risk of local or distant recurrence. These treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy, selected based on tumor characteristics, stage, and patient factors. The goal of adjuvant therapy is to improve overall survival and disease-free survival by addressing cancer cells that may remain after surgery but are undetectable by current imaging or examination methods.
Usage
Usage note: Contrast with neoadjuvant therapy (given before surgery) and primary therapy (main treatment).
In Context
- "The patient will receive six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy starting four weeks post-surgery." — Treatment plan
- "Adjuvant radiation therapy is recommended given the high-risk pathological features." — Oncology consultation