Why is it important to understand sanctuary sites during cancer treatment?

Understanding sanctuary sites during cancer treatment is crucial because these are areas within the body where cancer cells can evade the effects of chemotherapy and other treatments. These sites, such as the brain, testes, and certain parts of the bone marrow, can harbor cancer cells that are not adequately reached by systemic therapies. This can lead to treatment resistance and can affect overall treatment outcomes.

Recognizing sanctuary sites allows healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans more effectively, ensuring that therapies utilized are comprehensive and address these areas adequately. This knowledge is essential for devising strategies to prevent cancer recurrence and to target hidden reservoirs of disease, which can be pivotal in managing and treating cancer effectively.