Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

What does neoadjuvant therapy entail?

1. Treatment after primary cancer therapy

2. Starting treatment before the main therapy

3. Only using radiotherapy

4. Aiming to prevent metastasis

The correct answer is: Starting treatment before the main therapy

Neoadjuvant therapy refers to the treatment given to patients before the main or definitive treatment, usually surgery, for cancer. The primary goal of neoadjuvant therapy is to reduce the size of the tumor or eliminate cancer cells that may have spread, making it easier to remove the tumor surgically and increasing the chances of successful treatment outcomes. This approach can be particularly beneficial for specific types of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancers, where shrinking the tumor can allow for less invasive surgical options. The focus of neoadjuvant therapy often includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, rather than just radiotherapy or any other singular treatment type. This distinguishes it from adjuvant therapy, which occurs after the primary cancer treatment. Thus, starting treatment before the main therapy aligns perfectly with the definition and purpose of neoadjuvant therapy.