Definition of primary therapy - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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primary therapy (PRY-mayr-ee THAYR-uh-pee)

The first treatment for a disease or condition. In patients with cancer, primary therapy can be surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these therapies. Also called first-line therapy and primary treatment.

Previous Definitions:	primary CNS lymphoma, primary effusion lymphoma, primary endpoint, primary myelofibrosis, primary ovarian insufficiency
Next Definitions:	primary treatment, primary tumor, primitive neuroectodermal tumor, prinomastat, pro-oxidant