Neoadjuvant Therapy for Cancer: Benefits, Treatment, and Challenges

Cancer is a multifaceted condition that impacts not only physical health but also emotional, mental, and social well-being. 

The primary goal of the treatment is to completely eradicate the cancer and restore the patient’s health. However, sometimes doctors may advise getting some additional treatment—known as neoadjuvant therapy—before the primary/main treatment. As the therapy is helpful in various types of cancer, like breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and many more. 

What is Neoadjuvant Therapy?

In most cancer cases, cancer can be treated with primary treatment, i.e., either surgery to remove the tumour or radiation therapy to kill the cancer cells.  Also, in some cases, additional treatments are provided, either before or after the primary treatment, to enhance the chances of recovery.  

Neoadjuvant therapy refers to the treatment given before the primary treatment. It’s an umbrella term that encompasses several methods like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. 

Why is Neoadjuvant Therapy Used?

Neoadjuvant therapy is primarily given to patients to shrink a tumor before surgery. Therefore, making the condition more manageable increases the chance of a successful treatment. 

Here are the several reasons why neoadjuvant therapy is used:

Tumour Shrinkage and Surgical Success: Neoadjuvant therapy helps to shrink the tumour before the surgery, thus making the surgery more feasible and increasing the chances of complete removal. 

Improved Surgical Margins: As the tumor shrinks, it is easier to remove it with a clear surgical margin. This reduces the risk of cancer cells being left behind and also minimizes the chance of recurrence after surgery.

Better Long-Term Outcomes: Due to providing additional therapy before primary treatment, the chances of improving the surgical success rate increase.

Preserving Organ Function: Neoadjuvant therapy is particularly valuable for cancers of organs vital to bodily function, such as the rectum, head, or neck.

Why is Neoadjuvant Therapy Beneficial?

The basic key to using neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy is to reach cancer cells in the circulation or in distinct tissues that cannot be seen or identified. These “micrometastases” have the potential to grow into visible tumors if they remain untreated.

There are various significant benefits of using neoadjuvant therapy:

• Enhanced the chances of complete removal of tumour.
• Provides long-term survival rates.
• Improves the quality of life.
• Provides the treatment effectiveness. 
• Reduced the need for more invasive surgery.

How Does Neoadjuvant Therapy Work?

The neoadjuvant therapy works in the following way:

Initial Assessment: Before starting any treatment, your doctor advised you to undergo some imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, or biopsies, to determine the exact size, location, and stage of the cancer.

Neoadjuvant Treatment: Based on the type and stage of cancer, the patient will undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and other therapies.

Surgical Procedure: By prior using the neoadjuvant method, the tumor may shrink; thus, the effectiveness of the main procedure is enhanced; now surgery can be scheduled.

Post-Surgery Treatment: Even after surgery, additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, may be required to target any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Know More:- Targeted Therapy For Cancer

What are the Challenges with Neoadjuvant Therapy?

Neoadjuvant therapy has several benefits, yet it is not without any challenges. Here are some of the challenges related to neoadjuvant therapy: 

• Side Effects

Treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy are associated with potential side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. This can affect a patient’s quality of life during their treatment.

• Only for Certain Cancer

Neoadjuvant therapy is not suitable for all types of cancer or patients. The prior use of any additional treatment depends on factors such as cancer type, stages, location, and the patient’s overall health.

• Tumor Resistance

It is also possible that, in some cases, tumors may not respond to neoadjuvant treatment, which can make surgery more difficult.

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Conclusion

Neoadjuvant therapy is a revolutionized approach to treating cancer where patients are provided an additional treatment to improve surgical outcomes to reduce the risk of recurrence. This approach has proven an effective way to treat cancer, helping to improve the quality of life and survival rate.

Apart from having some challenges, the benefits of neoadjuvant therapy make it a critical step to consider in fighting against cancer.

Read More:- Cancer Treatment in India. 

A Note from Medsurge India 

For patients with cancer, it’s crucial to discuss whether there is a need for any additional treatments before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) the primary treatment. With the right approach, neoadjuvant therapy can play an essential role in your journey to recovery and long-term health.

At Medsurge India, a leading medical tourism company in India, we are partnered with several top hospitals and doctors across the globe, including countries like Turkey, Malaysia, India, and many more.

If you want guidance and assistance related to your medical condition, send us queries.

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FAQ’s 

Q: What is the difference between neoadjuvant therapy and adjuvant therapy?

A: Neoadjuvant therapy is given before the primary treatment, typically surgery. While adjuvant therapy is given after the primary treatment, typically surgery. It aims to destroy any remaining cancer cells that may have been left behind.

Q: How will the quality of life be impacted by the neoadjuvant therapy?

A: The impact on quality of life can vary depending on various factors like types of cancer, stages of cancer, and the overall health condition of the patient. Apart from several benefits, some of the side effects can inversely impact the quality of life.

• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Mouth sores
• Skin changes
• Emotional changes

It’s crucial to discuss all those conditions with your doctor and ask about different strategies to manage them. 

Q: What are the next steps in the treatment plan after neoadjuvant therapy?

A: If the neoadjuvant therapy works well, the next steps might be:

• Surgery to remove tumor.
• Additional chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments (adjuvant therapy), if needed.
• Close monitoring for any signs of cancer recurrence.