What is the purpose of combining chemotherapy with other treatment modalities?

Combining chemotherapy with other treatment modalities serves the primary purpose of enhancing the overall effectiveness of cancer treatment. This approach leverages the strengths of different therapies to target cancer cells in various ways, which can lead to improved outcomes for patients. For instance, when chemotherapy is combined with radiation therapy, the cancer cells may be more effectively destroyed, as each treatment can work synergistically to overcome resistance and reduce tumor size. Additionally, combining therapies can help to prevent relapse and increase survival rates by addressing the cancer from multiple angles.

While reducing costs, limiting hospital stay, or avoiding advanced therapies may be considerations in some treatment strategies, they do not represent the main goal of combining chemotherapy with other modalities. The primary focus remains on maximizing the treatment's ability to eradicate cancer and improve patient outcomes.