Q. What is adjuvant therapy, and how does it differ from primary cancer treatment?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Adjuvant therapy is a type of cancer treatment that is administered after the primary treatment, which is typically surgery, but sometimes includes other primary treatments like radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The primary purpose of adjuvant therapy is to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by targeting any remaining cancer cells that may not have been completely removed or destroyed by the primary treatment.
Here's how adjuvant therapy differs from primary cancer treatment:
1. Primary Cancer Treatment:
- Primary cancer treatment is the initial treatment used to directly address the cancerous tumor or cells. It is aimed at removing or destroying the bulk of the cancer.
- Common primary treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these.
- The choice of primary treatment depends on factors like the type and stage of cancer, its location, and the patient's overall health.
2. Adjuvant Therapy:
- Adjuvant therapy is given after primary treatment to further reduce the risk of cancer recurrence or metastasis (spreading to other parts of the body).
- It is used when there is a significant risk of microscopic cancer cells remaining after primary treatment, even if no visible tumor is left.
- Adjuvant therapy can include additional rounds of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the specific cancer and its characteristics.
- The goal of adjuvant therapy is to improve the chances of long-term survival and reduce the likelihood of the cancer coming back.
In summary, the key difference is that primary cancer treatment is the initial treatment to directly address the cancer, while adjuvant therapy is given afterward to reduce the risk of recurrence or spread. Adjuvant therapy is a crucial component of cancer care for many patients, and its use is determined by factors like the type and stage of cancer, as well as individual patient considerations. It aims to improve the overall outcomes and increase the chances of a cancer-free future for the patient.