What type of therapy involves managing a disease to prevent progression?

Maintenance therapy involves ongoing treatment aimed at managing a disease and preventing its progression. This type of therapy is often utilized in chronic conditions to keep symptoms under control and to enhance the quality of life for patients. It is typically characterized by a steady, consistent administration of medications or interventions that do not necessarily cure the disease but aim to stabilize it and prevent deterioration.

Supportive therapy refers to treatments that help relieve symptoms or improve comfort rather than targeting the underlying disease itself. Prophylactic therapy is focused on preventing a disease from occurring in the first place, such as vaccination or medications taken to prevent infections. Acute therapy is designed to address immediate, severe medical conditions that require prompt treatment to alleviate symptoms or manage a crisis.

In contrast, maintenance therapy is specifically about sustaining health and minimizing the risk of disease progression through regular, ongoing treatment.