Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Terapia diferida
Deferred therapy (dih-FURD THAYR-uh-pee)
Closely watching a patient’s condition but not giving treatment unless symptoms appear or change, or there are changes in test results. Deferred therapy avoids problems that may be caused by treatments such as radiation or surgery. It is used to find early signs that the condition is getting worse. During deferred therapy, patients may be given certain exams and tests. It is sometimes used in prostate cancer. Also called expectant management.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.