Chemoradiation
Chemoradiation[edit | edit source]
Chemoradiation is a cancer treatment modality that combines chemotherapy with radiation therapy to increase the effectiveness of both treatments. This approach is often used to treat various types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, and rectal cancer.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Chemoradiation works by using chemotherapy drugs to sensitize cancer cells to the effects of radiation. Chemotherapy can damage the DNA of cancer cells, making them more susceptible to the DNA-damaging effects of radiation therapy. This combination can lead to increased cancer cell death compared to either treatment alone.
Indications[edit | edit source]
Chemoradiation is indicated in several clinical scenarios, including:
- Locally advanced cancer where surgery is not feasible or would result in significant morbidity.
- As a neoadjuvant treatment to shrink tumors before surgical resection.
- As an adjuvant treatment to eliminate microscopic disease post-surgery.
Common Chemotherapy Agents[edit | edit source]
The choice of chemotherapy agents used in chemoradiation depends on the type of cancer being treated. Common agents include:
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
The combination of chemotherapy and radiation can lead to increased side effects, which may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Mucositis
- Myelosuppression
- Skin reactions at the site of radiation
Efficacy[edit | edit source]
Studies have shown that chemoradiation can improve survival rates and local control of tumors compared to radiation therapy alone. However, the increased efficacy must be balanced against the potential for increased toxicity.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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