Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when terms like “neoadjuvant” and “adjuvant” therapy start popping up. These treatments are critical in the fight against breast cancer, but understanding their differences and purposes can help you feel more in control. Let’s break it down.
What Is Neoadjuvant Therapy?
Neoadjuvant therapy is treatment given before surgery. Think of it as a way to shrink the tumor or slow its growth, making it easier to remove during surgery. This approach is often used for larger tumors or cancers that have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Common types of neoadjuvant therapy include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapies. For example, if a tumor is too large to remove safely, chemotherapy might be used to reduce its size. This can also help doctors see how the cancer responds to treatment, which can guide future care.
One of the biggest benefits of neoadjuvant therapy is that it can sometimes allow for breast-conserving surgery (like a lumpectomy) instead of a full mastectomy. It’s also a chance to attack the cancer early, which can be empowering for many patients.
What Is Adjuvant Therapy?
Adjuvant therapy, on the other hand, is treatment given after surgery. The goal here is to eliminate any remaining cancer cells that might be lurking in the body, reducing the risk of the cancer coming back.
This type of therapy can include chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, or targeted treatments, depending on the specifics of the cancer. For instance, if cancer cells were found in the lymph nodes during surgery, adjuvant therapy might be recommended to target any potential spread.
Adjuvant therapy is like an insurance policy—it’s there to mop up any stray cancer cells that surgery might have missed. While it can feel like a lot to go through after already having surgery, it’s often a crucial step in ensuring long-term remission.
How Do Doctors Decide Which to Use?
The choice between neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy depends on several factors, including the size and stage of the tumor, the type of breast cancer, and your overall health.
Neoadjuvant therapy
It is often chosen for larger tumors, aggressive cancers, or when doctors want to test how the cancer responds to treatment.
Adjuvant therapy
It is typically used after surgery to lower the risk of recurrence, especially if there’s a concern that cancer cells might still be present.
Your medical team will tailor the approach to your specific situation, and they’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each option.
The Emotional Side of Treatment
Both neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies come with physical and emotional challenges. Neoadjuvant therapy can feel like a race to shrink the tumor, while adjuvant therapy might feel like a marathon to ensure the cancer doesn’t return.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or even hopeful at different points in your journey. Lean on your support system, ask questions, and remember that these treatments are tools to help you heal.
Dr. Pragati Singhal
