What is the main goal when using chemotherapy in cancer treatment?

The main goal of using chemotherapy in cancer treatment is to eliminate cancer cells. Chemotherapy is designed to target and destroy rapidly dividing cells, which characterizes cancer cells. By doing so, it aims to reduce the size of tumors, prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, and ideally achieve remission. While chemotherapy can lead to various side effects, such as reduced appetite or pain relief as a consequence of tumor reduction, these are not the primary objectives of the treatment. The fundamental and overriding purpose is to eradicate the cancerous cells and improve the patient’s overall prognosis. Other options, while important in their own contexts, are secondary to the intent of achieving a direct impact on cancer cell viability.