debulking

Also known as cytoreduction surgical procedure, cytoreduction, debulking surgery, cytoreductive surgery, CRS, interval debulking surgery, IDS

Debulking is the reduction of as much of the bulk (volume) of a tumour without the intention of a complete eradication. It is usually achieved by surgical removal. When performed for curative intent, it is a different procedure, which is called surgical debulking of tumors is known as cytoreduction or cytoreductive surgery (CRS); "cytoreduction" refers to reducing the number of tumor cells. Debulking is used with curative intent in only some types of cancer, as generally partial removal of a malignant tumor is not a worthwhile intervention for curative purposes (because malignant cells left be