Treatment Approaches
Neoadjuvant Therapy
Also known as: Preoperative therapy, Induction therapy, Primary systemic therapy
Definition
Treatment given before the main treatment, usually surgery, to help shrink a tumor and make it easier to remove.
Detailed Explanation
Neoadjuvant therapy can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy. The goals are to reduce tumor size, eliminate micrometastases, and assess tumor response to treatment. It's commonly used in breast cancer, rectal cancer, and other solid tumors.