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Definition of Adjuvant chemotherapy

Adjuvant chemotherapy: Chemotherapy given after tumor surgery.

The idea underpinning adjuvant chemotherapy is that the chemotherapy drugs are more effective after the main tumor has been removed and any remaining cancer is in small amounts (microscopic metastases).

For example, in a case of colon cancer, the primary tumor would first be resected (removed) from the colon. Then the adjuvant chemotherapy would be carried out. The chemotherapy drugs might be given intravenously and instilled directly into the abdomen.


Last Editorial Review: 10/27/1998 5:39:00 PM

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