Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is mostly used in cancers in which surgery is planned in future. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can reduce the difficulties and complications regarding cancer surgery. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is mostly used for the cancers which are locally advanced such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer.



Neoadjuvant chemotherapy as treatment for cancer is derived from animal studies. According to these animal studies, this type of chemotherapy is effective in suppressing residual tumor growth when applied properly.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is mostly used for the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. Monitoring response of patient to neoadjuvant chemotherapy can extend and improve survival and also reduce morbidity. A method based on diffuse optical spectroscopy is used to monitor patient's response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Diffuse optical spectroscopy is noninvasive near infra red method which is used to monitor the patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is also useful for treating advanced cancer of head and neck. Most patients have complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Drugs used in neoadjuvant chemotherapy are cisplatin, bleomycin and 5-fluorouracil. Results of the treatment also depend on the stage of cancer.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is also used for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. When treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery, patients experience long term survival and good quality life. In case of gastric cancer, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can improve resectability survival and quality of life. However, it is ineffective in reducing the risk of reoccurrence.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is largely applied for treating the patients with bulky and locally advanced cervical cancer. Drugs that are used in this treatment are cisplatin, ifosfamide and paclitaxel.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is used to treat large, high grade and localized cancers. This chemotherapy treatment is followed by surgery or radiotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has several advantages over adjuvant chemotherapy.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment associates with some side effects as drugs used in the treatment are toxic in nature. These drugs not only eradicate cancerous cell but also affects other body cell which causes side effects. These side effects include weight loss, memory loss, hair follicles, nausea, bone marrow and so on. Side effects occurred due to chemotherapy treatment are varied form patient to patient and also depend on stage of cancer and physical condition of patient.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment if applied which is followed by surgery increases likelihood of eradicating cancer and improves quality of life. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment also known as presurgical chemotherapy is widely used for the treatment of cancer. This treatment can improve survival and reduce morbidity.