Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy

What is it?

Neoadjuvant radiotherapy means delivering of radiotherapy before the implementation of the primary treatment.

Why it is needed?

The aim of this treatment is to reduce the bulk of tumour so as to make primary treatment (for example surgery) more feasible with higher rates of pathological complete responses, lymph node negativity and negative margins. 
This is because multimodality treatment is needed for treating certain cancers.  

What are the sites?

• Rectal Cancer: Neoadjuvant radiotherapy is given in combination with concurrent chemotherapy before surgery. This can either be short or long course neoadjuvant radiotherapy.
• Esophageal Cancer and Gastro-esophageal Cancers
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas
• Pancreatic Cancers
• Lung Cancers (Pancoast tumor)
• Certain Head and Neck Cancer

What are the diseases treated through neoadjuvant radiotherapy?

Neoadjuvant therapy is recommended for patients with the following:

• Rectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Pancreatic cancers
• Oesophagal cancer
• Locally advanced breast cancers with lymph node involvement

It is important to note that neoadjuvant therapy is not ideal for all kinds of cancers. Its application will be determined by the type and size of the cancer, its location and the patient’s overall health.

Who are the ideal candidates for this procedure?

The ideal candidates for neoadjuvant therapy are:

• Positive for locally advanced cancers, for example, breast cancer with local lymph node involvement
• Large cancers that may cause great complications during surgery
• Inaccessible tumours
• Higher probability of micrometastasis in a particular case
• Complicated cases that may show unpredictable results with primary therapies may be treated with neoadjuvant therapy before starting the main therapy.
• The overall health of the patient should be good enough to tolerate treatment

Expertise of Action Cancer Hospital in Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy

At Action Cancer Hospital, we prioritize precise cancer treatment with minimal side effects. Our team of highly skilled radiologists are well-trained in using advanced imaging techniques to target cancer cells and prevent the progression of cancer. They are well-prepared for correctly diagnosing and implementing the right neoadjuvant therapies as needed. Our tumour board collaborates to discuss and develop personalized treatment plans for each of our patients. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures complete patient care.