What is one common reason for using combination chemotherapy?

One common reason for using combination chemotherapy is to increase the chances of effective treatment. This approach utilizes multiple drugs that target cancer cells in different ways or at different phases of the cell cycle. By using a combination of agents, the likelihood of overcoming tumor resistance to a single agent is enhanced, and the overall effectiveness of the treatment is improved. This strategy can lead to more significant tumor shrinkage and potentially better long-term outcomes for patients. Previous chemotherapy regimens have shown that tumors can adapt to specific drugs, so combining agents can help mitigate this issue and tackle a broader range of cancer cell populations.

Options related to reducing treatment time, limiting side effects, or facilitating administration do not fully capture the primary therapeutic strategy behind combination chemotherapy, which centers on maximizing efficacy in treating cancer.