Adjuvant Therapy: An Overview
Adjuvant therapy is a type of medical treatment used to supplement or enhance the effectiveness of primary treatments. It is often used in conjunction with more traditional treatments, such as surgery and radiation, to maximize a patient’s chances of achieving a successful outcome. Adjuvant therapy can be used to treat various types of cancer, and has been found to improve the effectiveness of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. This article reviews the current state of adjuvant therapy and its potential applications.
Adjuvant therapy can involve the use of drugs, such as chemotherapy agents, hormones, and immunotherapies, to supplement treatments that have already been established. Adjuvant therapy can be used to prevent or delay recurrence of the disease, or to reduce the chance of disease progression. For example, in the treatment of breast cancer, adjuvant therapy can be used to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence following primary treatment.
Adjuvant therapy has been found to be effective in treating many types of cancers, including breast, colon, lung, and ovarian cancer. It can also be used to treat other diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and allergy symptoms. The exact mechanism of action for each adjuvant therapy varies depending on the type of disease being treated, but the overall goal is to increase the effectiveness of the primary treatment.
In addition to improving the effectiveness of primary treatments, adjuvant therapy may also reduce the risk of side effects. For example, some chemotherapy agents can cause nausea and vomiting, but adjuvant therapy can reduce the severity of these side effects. Adjuvant therapy is also useful in helping to prevent or delay disease recurrence.
Despite the potential benefits of adjuvant therapy, there are some risks associated with its use. Adjuvant therapy may increase the risk of adverse effects, such as infection or toxicity, and may also increase the risk of developing secondary cancers. Patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of adjuvant therapy with their doctor before beginning treatment.
In conclusion, adjuvant therapy is a type of treatment used to supplement or enhance the effectiveness of primary treatments. It is an effective tool for treating many different types of cancer, and can also be used to treat other diseases. Adjuvant therapy can help to reduce the risk of side effects and disease recurrence, but it may also increase the risk of adverse effects. Patients should discuss the potential risks and benefits of adjuvant therapy with their doctor before beginning treatment.
References
American Cancer Society. (2020). Adjuvant Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/adjuvant-therapy.html
National Cancer Institute. (2020). What is Adjuvant Therapy? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/adjuvant-therapy
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2020). Adjuvant Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.nccn.org/patients/resources/life_with_cancer/adjuvant_therapy.html