What characterizes metronomic chemotherapy?

Metronomic chemotherapy is characterized by the administration of low doses of chemotherapy agents on a continuous basis, with no extended breaks between courses. This approach differs from traditional chemotherapy regimens, which typically involve high doses given at specific intervals. With metronomic therapy, the goal is to minimize toxicity while providing a steady level of the drug in the system, thereby targeting the tumor's blood supply and enhancing its anti-tumor effects.

This method has been shown to maintain therapeutic levels of the medication over a prolonged period, aiming to effectively combat cancer cells while reducing the severe side effects associated with higher doses. The continuous dosing can promote angiogenesis inhibition and target the tumor microenvironment, which are critical for the success of cancer treatment.

The other options reference approaches that do not align with the principles of metronomic chemotherapy. High doses given intermittently represent traditional chemotherapy regimens that may involve significant toxicity. Single drug administration can occur in metronomic therapy but is not a defining characteristic, as metronomic regimens can also include multiple agents. Likewise, the combination of multiple drugs could be used in various contexts aside from metronomic strategies, which primarily focuses on the dosage and scheduling rather than merely the number of drugs used.