Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
salvage therapy
Treatment given after initial therapy has failed, designed to achieve remission in relapsed or refractory disease.
Full Definition
Salvage therapy refers to treatment administered after the failure of initial therapy, targeting relapsed or refractory pediatric cancer. The goal is to achieve a second remission and provide a bridge to potentially curative therapies such as stem cell transplantation. Salvage regimens often use different drug combinations to overcome resistance mechanisms. Success rates are generally lower than with initial therapy, and treatment selection depends on factors including time to relapse, prior therapies received, and patient performance status.
Usage
Usage note: Implies curative intent, distinguishing it from palliative care.
In Context
- "Salvage therapy achieved a second remission, enabling transplant eligibility." — treatment summary
- "The patient's early relapse limited effective salvage therapy options." — oncology consultation
Also known as
rescue therapy
relapse therapy
Contrasted with
first-line therapy
induction therapy
Don't confuse with
palliative therapy
consolidation therapy