After debulking a tumor, what is commonly used to prevent the spread of the remaining tumor?

After debulking a tumor, which is a surgical procedure aimed at removing as much of the tumor as possible, radiation or chemotherapy is commonly used to minimize the chances of the remaining tumor cells spreading or growing. This approach is based on the understanding that even after the bulk of the tumor has been removed, microscopic cancer cells may still exist, and their proliferation can lead to recurrence or metastasis.

Radiation therapy can target these remaining cells, using high-energy waves to kill cancer cells or prevent them from dividing. Chemotherapy employs drugs that circulate throughout the body to attack these cells, providing a systemic treatment option that can reduce the risk of recurrence.

While surgery alone can be a critical initial treatment, it does not address any residual microscopic disease that may be left behind. Thus, the integration of radiation or chemotherapy is standard practice to enhance the overall effectiveness of the initial surgical intervention.