What common therapy is often combined with chemotherapy to enhance treatment?

Radiation therapy is often combined with chemotherapy to enhance treatment effectiveness in various cancer types. This combination works synergistically, allowing for a more comprehensive attack on cancer cells. Radiation can damage the DNA of cancer cells, making them more susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy, which targets rapidly dividing cells. This complementary approach can lead to improved outcomes by maximizing the potential for cancer cell destruction while minimizing the risk of resistance developing.

In contrast, physical therapy is primarily utilized for rehabilitation or managing side effects, surgery focuses on tumor removal as a standalone treatment, and gene therapy usually involves modifying genes to treat or prevent disease rather than directly enhancing traditional chemotherapy. Thus, radiation therapy stands out as the most common adjunctive treatment paired with chemotherapy to enhance therapeutic efficacy.