Question: What is the difference between neo-adjuvant therapy and adjuvant therapy?

Answer: “Neo-adjuvant” and “adjuvant” are terms used in the context of cancer treatment to refer to therapies that are given before or after the primary treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Neo-adjuvant therapy refers to treatment given before the primary treatment to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove during surgery. This approach is often used when the tumor is large or locally advanced, making surgical removal on its own more challenging. Neo-adjuvant therapy can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy. By reducing the tumor size, neo-adjuvant therapy may increase the chances of successful surgical removal and potentially improve long-term outcomes.

Adjuvant therapy refers to treatment given after the primary treatment to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. It is typically given to patients who have undergone surgery to remove a tumor but who may still have microscopic cancer cells present in the body. Adjuvant therapy aims to improve overall outcomes and prevent the cancer from coming back. Common adjuvant treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy.

Your healthcare team may recommend neo-adjuvant or adjuvant therapy based on several factors including the type and stage of cancer, your overall health, and your treatment goals. GO2 for Lung Cancer is here to help you understand treatment guidelines and identify facilities where you can seek a second opinion. Please contact our HelpLine at 1-800-298-2436 or email us at support@go2.org.

Please note that the information included in any published answer is for educational pursuit only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult their healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation. Nothing from GO2 for Lung Cancer should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion.