first line of therapy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first line of therapy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical or psychological contexts to refer to the initial treatment approach for a particular condition. Example: "For patients with mild depression, cognitive behavioral therapy is often considered the first line of therapy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"An important cornerstone of these new guidelines is a strong emphasis on lifestyle changes as the first line of therapy.

The Washington Post

Behavioral symptoms are common in persons with dementia, and nonpharmacological interventions are recommended as the first line of therapy.

Journal of the American Medical Directors Association

However, despite drugs designed to boost serotonin transmission represent the first line of therapy for depression, the role of this system still remains elusive.

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Doctors chose Fluconazole in 88.9 % as a first line of therapy.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

IgG4-RD is responsive to steroids, which remain the first line of therapy.

Autoimmunity Highlights

This has important implications for the introduction of new treatment as first line of therapy that could lead to transfusion independence in patients with SAA.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Time is bought by going from point A, the first-line therapy, to point B, the second-line therapy, to point C, the third line of therapy, and so on.

The New York Times

Second line of therapy with aromatase inhibitors was applied in 33 of these patients.

Disease Markers

If patients showed progression to the sixth line of therapy, they would receive just BSC without any medical treatment.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and topical α2-adrenergic agonists were added as a second line of therapy.

BMC Ophthalmology

Costs in each line of therapy are higher in cohort B than in cohort A, except for the second line of therapy.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical treatments, use "first line of therapy" to clearly indicate the initial and generally preferred treatment option before considering alternatives. This helps in setting expectations and understanding the treatment progression.

Common error

Avoid using "first line of therapy" when you actually mean a treatment used only when all other options have failed. The opposite of "first line of therapy" is a "last resort" or salvage therapy, not a synonym.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first line of therapy" primarily functions as a noun phrase identifying the initial or standard treatment approach for a medical condition. Examples on Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various therapeutic contexts, from lifestyle changes to medications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

14%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first line of therapy" is a common term, particularly in medical and scientific contexts, used to describe the initial or standard treatment approach for a specific condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While alternatives like "initial treatment" or "primary treatment" exist, "first line of therapy" specifically emphasizes the sequence and prioritization of treatment options. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate this term from "last resort" treatments. Using the correct phrase ensures clarity and accuracy in professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frontline therapy

A more concise and direct synonym, commonly used in medical contexts.

preferred initial treatment

Combines preference with the initial stage, suggesting a prioritized starting method.

initial treatment

Focuses on the beginning stage of treatment but lacks the formal implication of a standard approach.

initial approach to treatment

Highlights the starting point in the treatment strategy.

primary treatment

Emphasizes the main treatment method, omitting the 'first' aspect of sequencing treatments.

first step in treatment

Emphasizes the sequential aspect of the initial action in a treatment plan.

first-choice treatment

Highlights the preferred treatment option, but doesn't necessarily indicate the order of application.

initial therapeutic strategy

Broadens the scope to a strategic approach rather than just a treatment.

standard treatment

Refers to a widely accepted treatment protocol, diverging from the sequential implication.

primary intervention

Focuses on the main action taken to address a condition, applicable in various fields beyond medical.

FAQs

How is "first line of therapy" used in medical contexts?

In medicine, "first line of therapy" refers to the initial or standard treatment approach for a condition, typically used before considering other options like "second line of therapy" or more invasive procedures.

What are some alternatives to "first line of therapy"?

You can use alternatives such as "initial treatment", "primary treatment", or "frontline therapy" depending on the context.

Is "first line of therapy" the same as "best treatment"?

"First line of therapy" refers to the initial treatment option, not necessarily the "best treatment". The best treatment may vary depending on individual patient factors and responses, potentially leading to "second line of therapy" if the initial approach is ineffective.

When is it appropriate to use "first line of therapy" in writing?

Use "first line of therapy" when discussing the recommended initial treatment for a medical condition or disorder. It's suitable for professional, scientific, and medical contexts where precision is important. For example, lifestyle changes are often the "first line of therapy" for hypertension.