What is the objective of conditioning chemotherapy?

The objective of conditioning chemotherapy is primarily to prepare the bone marrow for stem cell transplantation. This process usually entails administering chemotherapy (and sometimes radiation) to eradicate the existing hematopoietic (blood-forming) cells, thereby creating space for the transplanted stem cells to engraft effectively. By reducing the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells, conditioning chemotherapy allows the new stem cells to grow and rebuild the hematopoietic system, ultimately leading to recovery of normal blood cell production and function.

Other choices may involve aspects related to cancer treatment, such as tumor reduction or immune response, but they do not specifically align with the primary goal of conditioning chemotherapy, which is focused on facilitating a successful stem cell transplant.