Adjuvanttherapie

Adjuvanttherapie refers to medical treatment given in addition to a primary treatment, typically surgery, to increase the chances of a successful outcome. This is commonly used in cancer treatment. The goal of adjuvant therapy is to eliminate any microscopic cancer cells that may have spread from the original tumor but are not detectable by imaging scans. By targeting these residual cells, adjuvant therapy aims to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence or metastasis.

The specific type of adjuvant therapy used depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's individual characteristics. Common forms of adjuvant therapy include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells in a specific area. Hormone therapy works by blocking or reducing the hormones that some cancers need to grow. Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression. The decision to use adjuvant therapy is made after careful consideration of potential benefits versus risks, and it is often part of a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care.