Postoperative tumor treatment strategies: From basic research to clinical therapy

Despite progression in advanced treatments for malignant tumors, surgery remains the primary treatment intervention, which removes a large portion of firm tumor tissues; however, the postoperative phase poses a possible risk for provincial tumor recurrence and metastasis. Consequently, the prevention of tumor recurrence and metastasis has attracted research attention. In this review, we summarized the postoperative treatment strategies for various tumors from both basic research and clinical perspectives. We delineated the underlying factors contributing to the recurrence of malignant tumors with a substantial prevalence rate, related molecular mechanisms of tumor recurrence post-surgery, and related means of monitoring recurrence and metastasis after surgery. Furthermore, we described relevant therapeutic approaches for postoperative tumor recurrence, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and photodynamic therapy. This review focused on the emerging technologies used for postoperative tumor treatment in recent years in terms of functional classification, including the prevention of postoperative tumor recurrence, functional reconstruction, and monitoring of recurrence. Finally, we discussed the future development and deficiencies of postoperative tumor therapy. To understand postoperative treatment strategies for tumors from clinical treatment and basic research and further guide the research directions for postoperative tumors.