What does adjuvant therapy involve?

Adjuvant therapy refers to additional treatment given after the primary treatment, which is often surgery, to increase the chances of a successful outcome. This approach is utilized to eliminate any remaining cancer cells that may not have been removed during the initial treatment and to reduce the risk of recurrence.

In many cases, primary treatment may involve surgical procedures to remove a tumor, and adjuvant therapy could include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy applied afterward. This strategy aims to enhance overall survival rates and improve the prognosis for patients.

The other choices do not align with what adjuvant therapy entails. While some treatments may occur prior to surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) or focus solely on symptom management (palliative care), adjuvant therapy specifically addresses the need for supplemental treatment following the initial cancer intervention. By understanding the role of adjuvant therapy, healthcare professionals can make more informed decisions in the management of cancer care.