Neoadjuvant Therapy — What It Means in Clinical Trials
Plain English Definition
Neoadjuvant therapy is treatment given before the main treatment — usually before surgery. The goal is to shrink a tumor so it is easier to remove, or to test how well the cancer responds to the drug. If the tumor shrinks significantly, it gives doctors confidence the drug is working.
Why It Matters
Neoadjuvant trials can benefit you in two ways: the treatment may shrink your tumor before surgery, and the response gives your doctors important information about which drugs work best for your specific cancer.
Example
A listing might say: "Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical resection." You receive treatment first, then have surgery.
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