What is the primary intent of adjuvant therapy?

The primary intent of adjuvant therapy is to eliminate any residual tumor cells after primary treatment. This phase of cancer treatment typically follows the initial surgical intervention or primary therapy, such as surgery or radiation, aimed at removing or destroying the main tumor.

Adjuvant therapy is designed to minimize the chances of cancer recurrence by targeting microscopic disease that may remain in the body, which is often undetectable through imaging or other diagnostic tools. Common forms of adjuvant therapy include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy. Each of these modalities has proven efficacy in reducing the risk of recurrence in numerous cancer types.

In contrast, other options focus on different aspects of cancer care. Providing immediate relief from symptoms is typically associated with palliative care rather than adjuvant therapy. Assessing tumor shrinkage relates more to monitoring the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy or the primary treatment itself rather than the adjuvant phase. Supporting patient mental health, while an essential aspect of holistic cancer care, is not the primary goal of adjuvant therapy. The focus of adjuvant therapy is specifically on addressing potential residue from the initial treatment to improve long-term survival outcomes.