What does neoadjuvant therapy refer to in cancer treatment?

Neoadjuvant therapy refers to treatment that is administered prior to surgery with the primary goal of shrinking tumors to facilitate easier surgical removal. This approach is particularly beneficial in cases where the tumor is large or has spread locally, making it challenging to remove surgically. By reducing the size of the tumor, neoadjuvant therapy can enhance surgical outcomes, potentially allow for less extensive surgery, and improve the patient's chances of a successful recovery.

In breast cancer treatment, for example, neoadjuvant therapy may involve chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy, which helps to eliminate cancer cells and decrease the tumor burden. This type of treatment can also provide valuable information about how the cancer responds to therapy, which can influence further treatment decisions following surgery.