What You Need to Know About Neoadjuvant Therapy

Overview

Neoadjuvant therapy is a treatment method that involves administering medical therapies, particularly for cancer, before the use of primary treatments such as surgery. The ultimate goal of neoadjuvant therapy is to shrink or reduce the size of a tumor, making it easier for surgeons to remove it and reduce the chance of cancer recurrence.

Purpose

Neoadjuvant therapy aims to:

• Decrease the size of a tumor, facilitating better chances for complete tumor removal during surgery.
• Allow for less invasive surgery or less extensive treatments.
• Assess the efficacy of therapy prior to surgery
• Diminish the risk of cancer recurrence.
• Test the responsiveness of an individual's cancer to the specific therapies being used.

Types of Neoadjuvant Therapy

Several types of neoadjuvant therapies can be used for cancer treatment, including:

• Chemotherapy: It involves the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to kill cancer cells or slow down their growth.
• Targeted therapy: This type of therapy uses drugs or other substances that specifically target cancer cells without harming normal cells.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is used to treat cancers that are hormone-sensitive, such as some breast and prostate cancers. This can include medications that block hormones from reaching cancer cells or that lower levels of hormones in the body.
• Radiation therapy: High-energy rays or particles are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Immunotherapy: This therapy helps enhance the body's immune system to better recognize and fight cancer.

Effectiveness of Neoadjuvant Therapy

The effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy varies among patients and the specific type of cancer being treated. It has been shown to improve outcomes in some cases, such as:

• Breast cancer: Neoadjuvant therapy has been found to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Rectal cancer: Neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery has been found to be more effective in treating localized rectal cancer compared to surgery alone.
• Ovarian cancer: Neoadjuvant therapy has been found to be effective in reducing the size of advanced ovarian tumors and enabling surgical removal.

Risks and Side Effects

Like any cancer treatment, neoadjuvant therapy poses potential risks and side effects:

• Decreased immune function: Some therapies can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections.
• Toxicity: Anti-cancer drugs can cause kidney, liver, or cardiac damage.
• Nausea and vomiting: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy often cause these side effects.
• Fatigue: Many cancer treatments can cause fatigue and lowered energy levels.
• Hair loss: Chemotherapy is known to cause hair loss, though it is typically temporary.

Deciding on Neoadjuvant Therapy

The decision to undergo neoadjuvant therapy depends on the individual's specific condition, prognosis, and treatment goals. Consulting with a healthcare team to assess the potential benefits and risks of neoadjuvant therapy is crucial in determining whether it is the right choice.