What is adjuvant chemotherapy?

Adjuvant chemotherapy is specifically defined as the administration of chemotherapy after the primary treatment, which is often surgery, to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. This treatment approach is particularly important in cancers that have a tendency to spread or reoccur after the primary tumor has been removed, as it aims to improve the overall survival rates and outcomes for patients.

This definition highlights the strategic role adjuvant chemotherapy plays in the overall treatment plan, emphasizing the focus on treating residual disease. It is distinct from neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which is given before surgery to shrink tumors, and it differs from targeted therapies that utilize specific mechanisms to combat cancer. Furthermore, it does not involve the administration of chemotherapy during surgical procedures. Understanding these distinctions can help clarify why adjuvant chemotherapy, in this context, is a crucial aspect of cancer treatment.