Monotherapie

Monotherapie is the therapeutic approach that relies on a single agent or single treatment modality to manage a disease. It contrasts with combination therapy, which uses two or more active treatments in parallel. In practice, monotherapy can refer to a single pharmacological drug, a single class of drugs, or a single non-drug intervention used as the primary treatment.

In medicine, monotherapy is common across many fields. In infectious diseases, a single antibiotic may be chosen for uncomplicated infections. In psychiatry, a single antidepressant or antipsychotic is often used as initial treatment. In oncology, a single-agent chemotherapy or targeted therapy may be employed, particularly for tumors with sensitive drivers or in patients with limited tolerance for toxicity. Monotherapy can also apply to non-pharmacological modalities, such as radiotherapy given as a single treatment course, though many cancer protocols include combinations.

Advantages of monotherapy include simplicity, reduced risk of drug–drug interactions, easier dosing and monitoring, and often lower cost. Disadvantages include potentially lower efficacy for diseases that require multiple mechanisms of action, slower response, and higher risk of resistance if the pathogen or cancer adapts to a single agent.

Indications for monotherapy depend on disease characteristics, patient factors, and evidence from guidelines. Clinicians monitor therapeutic response and adverse effects, and may escalate to combination therapy or switch agents if goals are not met. The choice between monotherapy and combination therapy should balance efficacy, safety, adherence, and quality of life.