Sometimes, chemotherapy can be expected to kill all the cancer cells, and is given to cure the disease. Chemotherapy is not always intended as a cure. It is sometimes given to shrink tumors by or killing cancer cells or limiting their growth. This can help control symptoms such as pain. Chemotherapy is also used to maintain function of organs and body systems for as long as possible. Your doctors and nurses will discuss with you what the outcome of your chemotherapy is expected to be, and what other treatments are available and recommended. See also: Radiation Therapy and Surgery in cancer treatment.