neoadjuvant therapy
Cancer treatment given before surgical resection to reduce tumor size or eliminate micrometastases.
Full Definition
Neoadjuvant therapy consists of anticancer treatments administered prior to the primary surgical intervention. This approach aims to downstage the tumor, making it more amenable to surgical resection, or to eliminate microscopic metastatic disease. Common neoadjuvant modalities include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy. The therapy can convert inoperable tumors to resectable ones, allow for less extensive surgery, or provide early treatment of systemic disease. Response to neoadjuvant therapy often serves as a prognostic indicator.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the type of neoadjuvant therapy (chemotherapy, radiation, etc.) when documenting.
In Context
- "Neoadjuvant chemotherapy achieved a partial response, allowing for breast-conserving surgery." — multidisciplinary tumor board note
- "The patient will receive neoadjuvant chemoradiation before pancreaticoduodenectomy." — treatment plan