Erhaltungsphase

Erhaltungsphase is a term used in medicine to describe a phase of treatment designed to maintain the gains achieved during an initial intensive therapy and to prevent relapse or progression of disease. It is most commonly applied in oncology and hematology, but the concept also appears in the management of other chronic conditions. The primary goal is to prolong remission, preserve organ function, and improve overall survival while reducing the toxicity associated with more aggressive treatments.

In practice, the Erhaltungsphase involves a less intensive, longer-term treatment plan. This can include low-dose chemotherapy, targeted therapies, hormonal therapy, or immunotherapy, often administered over months or years. Many regimens are given orally, enabling home-based treatment, but regular medical monitoring remains essential to assess effectiveness, tolerance, and adherence. Dose adjustments or switches may occur in response to side effects or changing disease dynamics.

The duration of the Erhaltungsphase varies widely and depends on factors such as disease type, initial response, patient tolerance, and risk of relapse. In some cases it is fixed for a defined period; in others it may be continued indefinitely pending ongoing benefit and acceptable toxicity.

Potential challenges include cumulative toxicity, adherence difficulties, and the need for ongoing monitoring. While maintenance therapy can extend remission and survival in many patients, it is not universally effective and decisions are individualized, balancing expected benefits against quality of life and treatment burden.

Examples include maintenance regimens in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, extended endocrine therapy in hormone-receptor–positive breast cancer, and ongoing targeted therapy in certain ovarian cancers.