néoadjuvant

Neoadjuvant therapy refers to medical treatment given before the main treatment for a disease. The term "neoadjuvant" originates from Greek words meaning "new" and "leading." It is most commonly used in the context of cancer treatment. The primary goal of neoadjuvant therapy is to shrink a tumor, making it easier to remove surgically or to kill any microscopic cancer cells that may have spread from the primary tumor.

This approach can also help doctors determine how effective a particular treatment is for a patient's specific cancer. If the tumor shrinks significantly, it suggests the therapy is working well. Neoadjuvant treatments can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy. The specific type of neoadjuvant therapy used depends on the type and stage of the cancer. For instance, in breast cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is often given to reduce tumor size before surgery. Similarly, in rectal cancer, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is frequently employed to improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence. While neoadjuvant therapy can offer significant benefits, it also carries potential side effects, and its use is carefully weighed against these risks by the medical team.