What is a primary indication for administering chemotherapy in breast cancer?

Administering chemotherapy in breast cancer serves several strategic purposes, one of which is downstaging advanced lesions to facilitate breast-conserving surgery. When breast cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, the tumor may be too large or extensive for a surgical approach that preserves breast tissue. By using chemotherapy prior to surgery—known as neoadjuvant chemotherapy—oncologists aim to shrink the tumor, making it more manageable and allowing for a less invasive surgical option, such as lumpectomy instead of mastectomy. This approach not only improves surgical options but can also have systemic benefits by addressing micrometastatic disease early in the treatment course.

Other indications for chemotherapy, while relevant, do not have the same primary emphasis. For instance, preventing recurrence post-surgery is generally addressed with adjuvant therapy after surgical removal of the tumor. Enhancing cosmetic results is important, but it is typically a secondary consideration rather than a primary indication for chemotherapy. Increasing the interval before surgery is not a primary goal of chemotherapy; rather, the objective is to reduce tumor size to allow for a more effective surgical intervention.