What is the primary aim of chemotherapy in cancer treatment?

The primary aim of chemotherapy in cancer treatment is to lower tumor burden through cytotoxicity. Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that target and kill rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of cancer cells. By administering these cytotoxic agents, the treatment aims to reduce the size of the tumor and inhibit the spread of cancer within the body. This can lead to a decrease in the symptoms associated with cancer and can potentially improve the overall prognosis for the patient.

While enhancing immune response, promoting healing, and preventing metastasis may be secondary benefits or goals in some contexts of cancer treatment, the direct and immediate objective of chemotherapy is to effectively reduce the cancer cell population, which aligns with the concept of cytotoxicity. This makes lowering tumor burden the most accurate representation of chemotherapy's primary aim.