FirstLineTherapie

FirstLineTherapie is a term used in German-language medical discourse to designate the initial, recommended treatment approach for a disease, known in English as first-line therapy. It refers to the set of interventions—pharmacological and non-pharmacological—that guidelines and clinicians consider as the standard starting point based on evidence, safety profiles, and cost-effectiveness. The concept is applied across multiple medical fields, including oncology, infectious diseases, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, and mental health.

In practice, FirstLineTherapie implies adherence to guideline-directed therapy, predetermined selection of agents or modalities, standard dosing or delivery methods, and defined criteria for monitoring response and adverse effects. If the patient does not respond adequately or experiences intolerance, a predefined escalation to second-line therapies may occur.

The term is sometimes used to describe branded programs or patient-education materials that promote early initiation of guideline-based care. Because health systems and clinical guidelines differ by country and institution, FirstLineTherapie is not a single centralized program; its exact content and eligibility criteria vary.

Background: The phrase has historical roots in evidence-based medicine efforts to standardize initial treatment and reduce therapeutic inertia. Today, it appears in German-language guidelines, reviews, and some clinical pathways as a shorthand for initiating recommended care.

See also: first-line therapy, evidence-based medicine, clinical pathways.