Chemotherapy Treatment Schemes
Combined modality chemotherapy. In this type of treatment scheme, chemotherapeutic agents are used in combination with other cancer treatments such as radiation therapy or surgery. In present times, most cancers are treated in this way. It helps radiation therapy and biological therapy work better.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (preoperative chemotherapy). In this type of treatment scheme, initial chemotherapy is designed to shrink the primary tumor. It makes a tumor smaller before surgery or radiation therapy.
Adjuvant chemotherapy (postoperative treatment). This treatment is used to destroy cancer cells that may remain after surgery or radiation therapy.
Palliative chemotherapy. This treatment is given without curative intent but simple to decrease the tumor load and increase life expectancy.