What is the typical function of chemotherapy in oncology?

Chemotherapy's primary function in oncology is to inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells. Cancer cells often proliferate at an unchecked rate, and chemotherapy drugs are specifically designed to target and disrupt this rapid division process. These agents can cause damage to the cell's DNA or interfere with its ability to undergo division, ultimately leading to cell death.

This treatment modality can be employed for various purposes, including shrinking tumors before surgical intervention, treating cancers that are widespread, or as an adjuvant treatment aimed at eliminating residual disease after surgery. The focus on rapidly dividing cells is key because many normal cells also divide quickly, which is why chemotherapy can sometimes affect healthy tissue and lead to side effects.

The other options, while related to cancer care, do not capture the primary role of chemotherapy in the treatment of oncological conditions. For instance, assisting in surgical procedures pertains more to surgical oncology, targeting hormones relates to hormone therapies rather than chemotherapy, and diagnostic purposes are the realm of imaging and biopsies rather than a treatment approach.