Final answer:
Bromelain is added to traditional cancer treatments to potentially enhance effectiveness by improving selectivity and efficacy. Cancer treatments aim to target cancerous cells while minimizing harm to normal cells, hence the combination of treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scientists gave bromelain in addition to, rather than instead of, the usual treatment likely because combining bromelain with the usual treatment may enhance effectiveness. Traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can harm both cancerous and normal cells due to their inability to distinguish between the two. By pairing these treatments with bromelain, the hope is that it might improve the selectivity and efficacy of the treatment regimen, potentially offering a synergistic effect that could lead to better outcomes for the patient.
Cancer treatment often involves a multi-faceted approach because it is a fight against complex biological processes. Cells that have escaped the normal regulatory controls present a treatment challenge. Researchers aim to identify treatments that specifically target cancer cells to minimize harm to normal cells, and incorporating additional agents like bromelain could be part of this effort.