multimodality therapy
A treatment approach combining two or more therapeutic modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Full Definition
Multimodality therapy refers to the coordinated use of multiple treatment approaches in cancer care, typically combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and increasingly, immunotherapy or targeted therapy. In thoracic oncology, this approach is standard for locally advanced lung cancers and many other thoracic malignancies. The sequence and timing of treatments are carefully planned to maximize efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Examples include neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery, or concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by adjuvant therapy. This approach requires close collaboration between medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'combination therapy' which typically refers to concurrent use of similar agents.
In Context
- "The patient received multimodality therapy consisting of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection." — Treatment summary
- "Multimodality therapy has improved outcomes for patients with locally advanced lung cancer." — Clinical outcomes report