Chemotherapy refers to the administration of anti-neoplastic agents or the use of intracellular poisons that have an anti-neoplastic effect. Strictly speaking, the term chemotherapy excludes the use of targeted therapies, hormonal therapies, or immunoöncotherapy. Chemotherapy regimens with the intent of cure are often multi-drug therapies given in cycles.
Induction
Induction refers to the first line treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. The intention is often cure.
Consolidation
Consolidation chemotherapy
Consolidation, or intensification, chemotherapy is given after remission to eradicate any malignant cells that may remain after induction chemotherapy. Generally the drug used is the same one as that used for induction.
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Intensification
Follows the same principal as consolidation. However, the drug used is different that the one use to induce response.
Maintenance
After induction, with or without consolidation, some patients continue on a maintenance regimen. These protocols utilise drugs with a more favourable toxicity profile with the goal of prolonging progression free survival.