Which of the following describes the primary role of adjuvant chemotherapy?

The primary role of adjuvant chemotherapy is to reduce residual cancer after surgery. Adjuvant chemotherapy is typically administered following surgical procedures aimed at removing tumors to eliminate any remaining cancer cells that may not have been surgically removed. The intent is to lower the risk of cancer recurrence by targeting micro-metastatic disease—cancer cells that are not detectable but could lead to relapse.

This form of therapy is an important component of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan because it aims to increase the overall effectiveness of treatment and improve long-term survival rates. By administering chemotherapy after surgery, healthcare providers can enhance the likelihood of eradicating cancerous cells that may have spread or remained.

In contrast, while preparing a patient for surgery is essential, that role is primarily fulfilled by neoadjuvant therapy, which is administered before surgical intervention to shrink tumors. Pain management is crucial in the overall care of cancer patients but is not a direct role of adjuvant chemotherapy. Similarly, adjuvant chemotherapy is not intended to replace primary treatment modalities, such as surgical removal of the tumor or initial systemic therapies, but rather to complement them.