We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Induction Therapy?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 32,339
Share

Induction therapy is the first stage in cancer treatment. The term “induction therapy” is also sometimes used to refer to the treatment of other conditions, depending on the setting. Also known as primary or first line therapy, this therapy is offered with the goal of reducing the number of cancer cells and making the cancer vulnerable to additional treatment. This treatment is designed and supervised by an oncologist, a cancer specialist, in association with other medical professionals like nurses and in consultation with the patient.

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, diagnostic testing is used to determine the source of the cancer and to collect information about it. This information determines which treatments are appropriate and will be used to design a treatment regimen tailored to a patient's case. Induction therapy can include a variety of treatment methods and the application and dosage are determined by weighing the factors involved in the patient's case.

Sometimes, high doses of medication are given to knock cancer cells out quickly. Other patients may be given an adjustment period with low doses, followed by higher doses. The progress of the therapy will be monitored with additional testing. If the cancer is not responding to the treatment, additional treatment options can be pursued. If it is, doctors can see if it is responding in a timely fashion.

During induction therapy, patients can experience a variety of side effects including nausea, confusion, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, sensitivity to odors, and other symptoms, depending on the medication being used and the dosage. Sometimes, treatments are provided to mitigate the side effects and make the patient more comfortable. Anti-nausea drugs are commonly prescribed with cancer treatments and patients may also consult with a nutritionist to address loss of appetite and ensure that they get enough nutrients during treatment.

After induction therapy comes consolidation therapy, where doctors attempt to kill off the remainder of the cancer cells to achieve remission. If the cancer goes into remission, maintenance therapy is used to keep the cancer at bay. The success of these therapies varies from patient to patient and is dependent on a wide range of factors. Patients can increase their chances of a good prognosis by getting as much information as possible about treatment options so they can reach an informed decision and following medical orders closely, taking medications as directed, and being alert to early warning signs of complications.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By TrogJoe19 — On Feb 21, 2011

Idarubicin is a chemical that is often used in dealing with cancer in induction therapy. This drug gets at the very core of cancerous DNA growths and prevents the protein signals from transmitting and multiplying the leukemic growths.

By BioNerd — On Feb 21, 2011

@dbuckley212

Some also find this to be a helpful practice to help stop smoking and so lower the risk of cancer due to smoke. Coming into contact with subconscious habits and addictions can help you to elicit them and address them, so that they don't haunt you anymore and you don't feel a need to continue smoking.

By dbuckley212 — On Feb 18, 2011

Some believe that free self hypnosis is of medical significance and can contribute to well being, specifically cancer prevention. There are many paranormal practices which aim at faith healing and elimination of pain via prayer or meditation.

By arod2b42 — On Feb 15, 2011

Induction chemotherapy is a painful and difficult technique which is nevertheless effective in keeping cancerous cells from metastasizing. This keeps the cancer in a focused place and enables effective elimination of it.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-induction-therapy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.