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What is adjuvant therapy? -

The goal of adjuvant therapy is to destroy any cancer cells that may have survived primary cancer treatment.

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What is adjuvant therapy? -

This follow-up treatment, sometimes called helper therapy, is often recommended by healthcare providers because it can reduce the chance of getting the same cancer again.

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When is adjuvant therapy recommended? -

Doctors sometimes recommend this treatment when cancer is diagnosed at an early stage and treated.

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When is adjuvant therapy recommended? -

The treatment can also be used when patients are diagnosed and treated at a later stage. This is because in such cases it’s more likely that microscopic cancer cells can survive after primary treatment.

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When is adjuvant therapy recommended? -

Adjuvant therapy is often recommended when cancer cells are found in a patient’s lymph nodes, as these types of cancers are more likely to return.

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Do you have to do it, even if you have no signs of cancer? -

Imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs can be used to detect cancer, but sometimes microscopic cancer cells may be present and these are undetectable. In which case, a healthcare provider may still recommend adjuvant therapy.

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The difference between adjuvant therapy and neoadjuvant therapy -

Neoadjuvant therapy is sometimes recommended before a primary treatment. For instance, it may be prescribed before a surgery to remove a cancerous tumor.

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The difference between adjuvant therapy and neoadjuvant therapy -

For example, chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be used as a form of neoadjuvant therapy to shrink a tumor before removing it.

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Which treatments are used as adjuvant therapies? -

There are a number of treatments that are recommended, depending on the type of cancer and other criteria. One of the most popular is chemotherapy.

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Types of adjuvant therapies: radiation therapy -

Radiation therapy may also be recommended as a way to destroy cancer cells and avoid recurrence.

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Types of adjuvant therapies: immunotherapy -

Immunotherapy works by boosting the immune system, helping it identify and destroy any remaining cancer cells.

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Types of adjuvant therapies: hormone therapy -

Hormone therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, can help treat hormone-sensitive tumors. It does so by stopping hormone production or blocking its effects.

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Types of adjuvant therapies: targeted therapy -

Targeted therapy manipulates specific abnormalities in cancer cells. It’s often used to treat patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

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What types of cancer can be treated with adjuvant therapies? -

There are a number of cancers that may benefit from such therapies, namely breast cancer. This is especially true in patients that have undergone a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.

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Types of cancer that can be treated with adjuvant therapies: colorectal cancer -

Patients with colorectal (colon) cancer may also benefit from adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy can be effective for those with stage II or stage III colorectal cancer.

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Types of cancer that can be treated with adjuvant therapies: rectal cancer -

Adjuvant chemoradiation (a combination of chemotherapy and radiation) can be recommended for those with stage II or stage III rectal cancer.

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Types of cancer that can be treated with adjuvant therapies: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) -

Immunotherapy medication may be prescribed by doctors as a form of adjuvant therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

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Types of cancer that can be treated with adjuvant therapies: small cell lung cancer -

Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy are often prescribed after surgery. This usually happens when cancer is detected in the early stages.

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How about other types of cancer? -

Cancer research is ongoing and new adjuvant therapies may be possible in the future for other types of cancer. Currently, however, adjuvant therapy is not applicable to every type of cancer.

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What cancer stages can be treated with adjuvant therapies? -

Usually if a cancer is at a more advanced stage, adjuvant therapy can be helpful in preventing it from returning.

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Effectiveness -

Adjuvant therapy is usually recommended when the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, as the more lymph nodes are affected, the greater the chances of cells surviving are.

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Hormone receptivity -

These treatments, however, are not useful if the tumor is not hormonally sensitive.

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Is adjuvant therapy for you? -

This should be discussed with your healthcare provider, but there are a few things to take into account when deciding whether or not to do it. Here are a number of points to consider.

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It’s not guaranteed -

The aim of undergoing such treatment is to reduce the risk of cancer coming back. It can be effective, but it’s not 100% guaranteed it will work.

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Consider the procedures -

As explained previously, there are a number of treatments available. It’s important to know exactly what you will have to do (e.g. take injections, take pills at home, etc.).

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Consider the side effects -

Many of these treatments have side effects. It’s important to understand how these will affect your life, how severe they are, if you have to take time off work to recover, etc.

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Consider the duration of the treatment -

Adjuvant therapy can range from a few weeks to a few years. Discuss this with your doctor and the impact it may have on your life.

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Consider your overall health -

Are you in good health overall? If so, are you prepared for dealing with additional cancer treatment?

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Consider your preferences -

Some people are prepared to do anything to get rid of cancer, while others may not want to deal with extra side effects if there is no significant guaranteed benefit.

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Consider the cost of the therapy -

Adjuvant therapy can be expensive. Some, or all of it, may be covered by health insurance or a national health service (if your country has one), but this will vary.

Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (Mayo Clinic)

See also: How one protein may stop cancer from spreading

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