Neoadjuvant Therapy

Term: Neoadjuvant TherapyDefinition: Treatment given as a first step to shrink a tumor before the main treatment, which is typically surgery.Phonetic Pronunciation: (nee-oh-AD-juh-vuhnt THAIR-uh-pee)Origin: The term 'neoadjuvant' is derived from the Latin 'neo-', meaning 'new' or 'recent', and 'adjuvant', from 'adjuvare', meaning 'to help'. It was first used in medical contexts to describe treatments that assist or enhance the effect of primary therapy.Significance in Asbestos Context: Neoadjuvant therapy is significant in asbestos-related diseases because it can be used to reduce the size of tumors caused by asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, before surgical intervention. This approach can improve the chances of a successful surgery and better overall outcomes for patients.Example Sentence: The oncologist recommended neoadjuvant therapy to shrink the mesothelioma tumor before proceeding with surgery for the patient exposed to asbestos.Related Terms: Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Surgery, Mesothelioma, Adjuvant TherapyNotes: - Neoadjuvant therapy is not a cure but a preparatory step for more definitive treatments. - It may involve chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of both. - The effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy can vary based on the individual patient's condition and the type of asbestos-related disease.