What is the main purpose of using combinations of chemotherapy agents?

The main purpose of using combinations of chemotherapy agents is to improve effectiveness against different cancer types. Combination therapy works by utilizing multiple drugs that can target various mechanisms of cancer cell growth, proliferation, and survival. This multi-faceted approach enhances the overall anti-tumor effect, as it can help overcome resistance that cancer cells might develop against a single drug. By employing different agents that act through distinct pathways, the likelihood of effectively eradicating the cancer cells increases, thereby improving treatment outcomes.

In contrast to this approach, using just one chemotherapy agent might leave other pathways unaddressed, potentially allowing the cancer to continue growing or metastasizing. This is why many treatment protocols involve these combinations—to maximize efficacy and improve patient response rates.