American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of adjuvant chemotherapy?

1. To treat clinical symptoms of cancer

2. To enhance post-operative recovery

3. To eradicate residual microscopic metastatic disease

4. To alleviate pain and improve quality of life

The correct answer is: To eradicate residual microscopic metastatic disease

The primary purpose of adjuvant chemotherapy is to eradicate residual microscopic metastatic disease. This type of chemotherapy is given after the primary treatment, such as surgery, to eliminate any cancer cells that may remain in the body and are not detectable through imaging or laboratory tests. These residual cells, if left untreated, can lead to cancer recurrence, which is why adjuvant chemotherapy plays a crucial role in improving long-term survival outcomes for patients. Adjuvant therapy is not aimed at treating symptoms of cancer directly; it is more focused on eliminating hidden cancer cells that could pose a risk of future growth. Although it may have some impact on recovery post-operation, its main goal remains distinct from simply enhancing recovery. While palliation, including pain relief and quality of life improvement, can occur in some scenarios, particularly for advanced cancers, these are not the central aim when discussing adjuvant chemotherapy, as it is primarily designed to proactively target residual cancer, not to address symptoms or enhance comfort.