[Principles of neoadjuvant therapy]

Neoadjuvant therapy is now an integral part in the treatment of locally advanced cancer of the esophagus and stomach. The mechanisms of action comprise downsizing of the primary tumor, improvement of the T and N categories and the earliest possible eradication of micrometastases. Several controlled clinical studies could show that these principles can indeed augment the rate of curative (R0) resections and can reduce the likelihood of systemic recurrences. As a consequence overall survival is improved by neoadjuvant therapy. This article summarizes how the basic principles of neoadjuvant therapy translate into clinical practice and gives a review of current developmental perspectives in this field.