Which is a true statement regarding chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is designed to reduce the number of cancer cells in the body, which is a fundamental aspect of its therapeutic effect. By interfering with the cancer cell cycle, chemotherapy aims to inhibit the growth and proliferation of these cells, ultimately leading to a decrease in their overall population. This reduction can lead to tumor shrinkage, decreased symptoms, and potentially an increase in survival rates for patients with cancer.

In the context of the other statements, it’s important to recognize their limitations. Chemotherapy does not exclusively target cancer cells; it can also affect normal, healthy cells, particularly those that are fast-dividing, leading to side effects. Solid tumors can be challenging to treat with chemotherapy because they may have inadequate blood supply and a heterogeneous composition that responds differently to treatment. Lastly, monitoring for resistance to chemotherapy is crucial in clinical practice as cancer cells can develop mechanisms to evade the effects of treatment, making resistance a significant obstacle in successful long-term management of cancer.