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Neoadjuvant therapy

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Neoadjuvant therapy

Neoadjuvant therapy is treatment given before the primary treatment for a condition or disease. Examples of neoadjuvant therapy include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy given before surgery to remove cancer.

Neoadjuvant therapy may be given to reduce the size of a tumor before surgery. Additional chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy is usually needed following the surgery for the treatment of cancer.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

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