# What is Neoadjuvant therapy?

Source: https://oncologyistanbul.com/glossary/neoadjuvant-therapy

> Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiotherapy given before surgery to shrink a tumor first.

Neoadjuvant treatment is given before the main treatment (usually surgery) with the goal of shrinking the tumor, making a less invasive operation possible, or testing how the tumor responds to a drug before committing to a full course. It is distinct from adjuvant therapy, which is given after surgery.

## Related
- [Adjuvant therapy](https://oncologyistanbul.com/glossary/adjuvant-therapy)

## Authoritative references
- [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoadjuvant_therapy)
- [Wikidata](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6991934)

Full glossary: https://oncologyistanbul.com/glossary