What is the primary purpose of adjuvant therapy?

The primary purpose of adjuvant therapy is multifaceted, and it typically includes both controlling residual tumor and preventing recurrence of the tumor.

Adjuvant therapy is administered after the primary treatment, such as surgery, with the goal of eliminating any remaining cancer cells that might not be detectable. This residual tumor control is crucial to prevent the cancer from regrowing or spreading. Additionally, providing treatment in this manner is based on the understanding that even microscopic disease left behind after the primary therapy could lead to a recurrence, hence the strategy of employing adjuvant therapy.

Therefore, it is accurate to say that adjuvant therapy serves both purposes: controlling any residual tumor and preventing future recurrences, making the choice that includes both aspects the most comprehensive and correct answer.