Which sequence correctly lists the standard order of chemotherapy phases from first to last?

Which sequence correctly lists the standard order of chemotherapy phases from first to last?

• A. Induction, Maintenance, Consolidation
• B. Induction, Consolidation, Maintenance
• C. Maintenance, Induction, Consolidation
• D. Induction, Consolidation, Maintenance

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that chemotherapy is delivered in a progression: first to induce remission, then to deepen and secure that remission, and finally to maintain it. Induction is the initial, intensive phase aimed at rapidly reducing the cancer burden to achieve remission. Once remission is achieved, Consolidation (or intensification) follows to kill any remaining cancer cells and lower the chance of relapse. After that, Maintenance uses lower-intensity treatment over a longer period to sustain remission and prevent relapse. If you tried to start with Maintenance, there’s no remission to sustain. If Consolidation came before Induction, there would be nothing yet to consolidate. If Maintenance came before Consolidation, residual disease could persist and relapse risk would remain high. Therefore, the correct sequence is Induction, then Consolidation, then Maintenance.

The main idea is that chemotherapy is delivered in a progression: first to induce remission, then to deepen and secure that remission, and finally to maintain it. Induction is the initial, intensive phase aimed at rapidly reducing the cancer burden to achieve remission. Once remission is achieved, Consolidation (or intensification) follows to kill any remaining cancer cells and lower the chance of relapse. After that, Maintenance uses lower-intensity treatment over a longer period to sustain remission and prevent relapse.

If you tried to start with Maintenance, there’s no remission to sustain. If Consolidation came before Induction, there would be nothing yet to consolidate. If Maintenance came before Consolidation, residual disease could persist and relapse risk would remain high. Therefore, the correct sequence is Induction, then Consolidation, then Maintenance.