Which term describes the elimination of residual cancer before surgical intervention?

The term that describes the elimination of residual cancer before surgical intervention is neoadjuvant therapy. This approach is typically utilized to shrink tumors or reduce the extent of cancer before surgery, making the surgical procedure more effective and sometimes allowing for less extensive surgery. Neoadjuvant therapy can include various treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormonal therapy, tailored to the specific type of cancer and its stage.

This therapeutic strategy aims to improve surgical outcomes and can also provide early insight into how the cancer responds to treatment, which can inform further management. By initiating treatment prior to surgery, neoadjuvant therapy can help ensure that more cancerous tissue is removed and potentially allow for preservation of surrounding healthy tissue, thus optimizing both cancer control and cosmetic outcomes.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different aspects of cancer treatment and care. Adjuvant therapy occurs after surgical intervention to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Diagnostic therapy is not a widely recognized term in oncology; it typically relates to assessments rather than treatment. Reconstructive therapy is a procedure that happens post-surgery to restore appearance and function; it does not target cancer itself but rather focuses on the aftermath of cancer treatment.