Targeted Therapies, Biologics, and Immunotherapy in the Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Settings: Perioperative Risks

Abstract

Cancer therapeutics has been revolutionized by the introduction of molecularly targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The paradigm of neoadjuvant therapy is commonly employed across multiple solid tumors, exhibiting significant clinical benefit as exemplified with ICIs in melanoma and non-small-cell lung cancer. However, neoadjuvant therapy can be associated with treatment-related adverse events. As the incorporation of these novel therapies in the preoperative space expands, it is crucial for surgical oncologists to understand the potential perioperative implications of these treatments. This article focuses on surgical considerations tied to these treatments, highlighting potential drug-surgery interactions and complications.

Keywords: Biological products; Immune checkpoint inhibitors; Intraoperative complications; Molecular targeted therapy; Neoadjuvant therapy.