definition of adjuvant therapy
Medical Definition of Adjuvant therapy Adjuvant therapy: Treatment that is given in addition to the primary (initial) treatment. Adjuvant treatment is an addition designed to help reach the ultimate goal. Adjuvant therapy for cancer usually refers to surgery followed by chemo- or radiotherapy to help decrease the risk of the cancer recurring (coming back). In Latin adjuvans means to help and, particularly, to help reach a goal.
Meaning: Enhancing the action of a medical treatment. Context example: the adjuvant action of certain bacteria. Similar: helpful (providing assistance or serving a useful function) Domain category: materia medica; pharmacological medicine; pharmacology (the science or study of drugs: their preparation and properties and uses and effects)