Which of the following statements best describes the goal of chemotherapy when prescribed as part of palliative treatment?
A.
To treat side effects of cancer, including stomatitis and alopecia
B.
To eliminate all tumor cells in the client’s body
C.
To prevent symptoms associated with bone marrow suppression
D.
To provide relief from symptoms caused by cancer at an advanced stage
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
D. To provide relief from symptoms caused by cancer at an advanced stage.
Explanation:
Chemotherapy is a powerful treatment used to target and destroy cancer cells. However, its purpose can vary depending on the stage of cancer and the overall treatment goal. In the context of palliative treatment, the primary aim is not to cure the disease but rather to alleviate symptoms, improve the quality of life, and provide relief from pain and discomfort associated with advanced cancer.
Palliative Chemotherapy:
Palliative chemotherapy is specifically designed for symptom management in clients with advanced or terminal cancer where curative treatments are no longer feasible. The focus shifts from eliminating cancer to controlling its growth and relieving distressing symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or pressure from tumors pressing on organs. For example, reducing the size of a tumor can ease pressure on vital organs or nerves, making the client more comfortable.
Addressing Incorrect Options:
- A. To treat side effects of cancer, including stomatitis and alopecia: This is incorrect because chemotherapy often causes side effects like stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and alopecia (hair loss). While symptom management of these side effects is important, it is not the primary goal of palliative chemotherapy.
- B. To eliminate all tumor cells in the client’s body: This is incorrect because, in palliative care, the focus is not on eradicating all cancer cells. The disease may have progressed beyond the point of cure, so treatment goals are centered on symptom relief rather than elimination of the tumor.
- C. To prevent symptoms associated with bone marrow suppression: This is incorrect because chemotherapy itself can lead to bone marrow suppression (e.g., low blood cell counts), and while managing such symptoms is important, this is not the primary objective of palliative chemotherapy.
In conclusion, the primary goal of chemotherapy in palliative care is to reduce symptoms, enhancing the client’s comfort and well-being in the later stages of cancer.