What is the primary purpose of using chemotherapy?

The primary purpose of using chemotherapy is to prevent cancer cells from dividing, metastasizing, and causing patient death. Chemotherapy works by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of cancer cells. By inhibiting their ability to multiply and spread throughout the body, chemotherapy aims to control the growth of the tumor and, ideally, eradicate cancer entirely. This systemic treatment can significantly reduce the risk of cancer spreading and improve overall patient outcomes.

While improving patient quality of life, targeting cancer cells, and enhancing radiation therapy effectiveness are important considerations in cancer treatment, they serve more as secondary benefits or potential outcomes of chemotherapy rather than its primary intention. The main goal remains the direct action against the cancer cells to halt their progression and ultimately aim for a cure or extend survival.