Radiochemotherapy

Radiochemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that combines radiation therapy with chemotherapy. The goal is to leverage the synergistic effects of these two modalities to achieve a better treatment outcome than either therapy alone. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, while chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. When used together, chemotherapy can make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, and radiation can help to keep cancer cells from spreading.

This combined approach is often used to treat various types of cancer, including those of the head and neck, lung, cervix, esophagus, and rectum. The specific drugs used in the chemotherapy component, as well as the dosage and schedule of both radiation and chemotherapy, are tailored to the individual patient and the type and stage of their cancer.

The rationale behind radiochemotherapy is that the two treatments can work in different ways to attack cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can circulate throughout the body and kill cancer cells that may have spread from the primary tumor. Radiation therapy, on the other hand, is a localized treatment that targets a specific area. By using them together, clinicians aim to destroy the main tumor and any microscopic disease that might be present elsewhere.

While effective, radiochemotherapy can also lead to side effects. These are often related to the specific drugs used and the area being treated by radiation. Common side effects can include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin irritation, and changes in blood counts. Healthcare providers closely monitor patients for side effects and manage them as needed.