Which of the following best describes the aim of induction chemotherapy?

Induction chemotherapy is primarily designed to induce remission and decrease the tumor burden in patients diagnosed with certain types of cancer. The goal here is to reduce the number of cancer cells to the lowest possible level, ideally leading to a complete response. This approach is especially significant in acute conditions like acute myeloid leukemia or aggressive lymphomas, where immediate reduction of the disease burden can significantly improve outcomes.

While achieving a complete cure may be the ultimate goal of cancer treatment, induction chemotherapy does not primarily aim for immediate cure but rather focuses on setting the stage for further treatment steps (such as consolidation therapy or stem cell transplantation) that can potentially lead to a cure. Similarly, while reaching partial remission may be a beneficial outcome, it is not the primary intent of induction therapy, which seeks a more substantial reduction in disease. Additionally, induction chemotherapy is not about initiating a long-term treatment plan for chronic conditions, which usually involves maintenance therapies rather than acute induction strategies.