What does adjuvant therapy aim to achieve in breast cancer treatment?

Adjuvant therapy in breast cancer treatment focuses primarily on reducing the risk of cancer recurrence after the primary treatment, which often includes surgery. By administering additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy post-surgery, adjuvant therapy aims to eliminate any remaining cancer cells that may not have been removed during the operation. This proactive approach is vital because it significantly increases the chances of long-term survival and decreases the likelihood of cancer returning in the same or different location.

Other treatment objectives, such as pain relief, improving quality of life, or minimizing side effects, might be addressed through supportive care and palliative measures, but they are not the primary goals of adjuvant therapy. Instead, the focus is on addressing the underlying risks associated with progressing disease, hence making the reduction of recurrence a core objective of this treatment approach.