Why are corticosteroids considered adjuncts in chemotherapy?

Corticosteroids are considered adjuncts in chemotherapy primarily because they play a significant role in reducing side effects associated with chemotherapy and improving overall patient comfort. These steroids help manage various symptoms and side effects like nausea, vomiting, and inflammation, which can occur during cancer treatment. By mitigating these adverse effects, corticosteroids can enhance the patient's quality of life and allow them to tolerate chemotherapy sessions more effectively.

The other choices do not accurately represent the role of corticosteroids in chemotherapy. Increasing dosages of chemotherapy is not a function of corticosteroids; instead, they work to improve the efficacy and tolerability of the treatment without changing the chemotherapy dosages. Corticosteroids do not replace chemotherapy, as they are not a direct treatment for cancer themselves, but rather supportive agents to aid in the management of treatment-related symptoms. Additionally, while they can provide some pain relief, their role is much broader than just pain management; they address a range of symptoms and side effects, confirming their status as adjunctive therapies rather than solely for pain relief.