Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is primarily aimed at what goal?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is designed specifically to reduce tumor size before surgical intervention. This approach allows for a less extensive surgical procedure and can convert inoperable tumors into operable ones. By shrinking the tumor beforehand, it increases the chance of successful surgical removal and can help ensure that more of the cancer is eliminated during the operation.

While improving overall survival rates, eradicating the tumor, and preventing recurrence are important aspects of cancer treatment, they are more often associated with adjuvant chemotherapy (given after surgery) or other systemic therapies. The primary focus of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is to manipulate the tumor's characteristics at the point when surgery is being considered, making it a key strategy in the treatment of certain types of cancer.