What is the purpose of neoadjuvant therapy?

The purpose of neoadjuvant therapy is to administer chemotherapy before the primary treatment, typically surgery, in order to reduce the tumor burden. This approach can make it easier to remove the tumor completely and may improve surgical outcomes. By shrinking the tumor, neoadjuvant therapy can also help address any potential micrometastatic disease that may not be visible at the time of diagnosis. This strategy allows for a more targeted and effective surgical approach, as a smaller tumor may mean less extensive surgery and potentially better preservation of surrounding healthy tissue. It can also provide an early indication of how the cancer is responding to treatment, which can influence subsequent therapies.