The initial course of chemotherapy given to patients after being diagnosed with cancer. The goal of induction therapy is to induce a remission.

initial treatment against an infection or disease.

In initial management of HIV infection, induction therapy is initiated to stabilize the damage already caused by the infection. Induction therapy is follower by longer term maintenance therapy.

Use of conventional (standard-dose) chemotherapy prior to a stem cell transplant in order to reduce the tumor burden.

The phase of treatment which is designed to obtain a remission of the cancer.

Chemotherapy or radiotherapy intended to induce a remission.

Treatment designed to be used as a first step toward shrinking the cancer and in evaluating response to drugs and other agents. Induction therapy is followed by additional therapy to eliminate whatever cancer remains.