Chemoradiotherapy

Chemoradiotherapy is a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy used in the treatment of various types of cancer. This treatment approach is designed to maximize the effectiveness of cancer treatment by using the two methods in conjunction, often resulting in improved outcomes compared to using either method alone.

Overview

Chemoradiotherapy, also known as chemoradiation, is typically used in the treatment of locally advanced cancers, where the disease has spread beyond the primary site but has not yet metastasized to distant parts of the body. The goal of chemoradiotherapy is to shrink the tumor and kill cancer cells, while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It works by disrupting the growth and division of cancer cells, which are typically more susceptible to the effects of these drugs than healthy cells. Chemotherapy can be administered orally, intravenously, or through other routes depending on the type of cancer and the specific drugs used.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy, also known as radiation therapy, uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. This can be delivered externally, where a machine directs radiation at the cancer, or internally, where radioactive substances are placed inside the body near the cancer. The radiation damages the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing.

Combination Therapy

In chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used together to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. The chemotherapy drugs can make the cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, allowing the radiotherapy to be more effective. This approach can also help to control the growth of the cancer and reduce the risk of the cancer returning after treatment.

Side Effects

Like all cancer treatments, chemoradiotherapy can cause side effects. These can vary depending on the specific drugs and type of radiation used, as well as the area of the body being treated. Common side effects can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and skin changes.

See Also

• Cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Cancer Treatment