Sarah
It’s my understanding that many chemotherapy drugs are used as radiosensitizers or potentiators when given concurrently with radiation. Commonly used in the case of CC are Gemzar and Platinum based drugs such as Oxoplatinum. They, in essence, cause the tumor cells to be more sensitive to the radiation thus making the treatments much more effective. So, I’m sure that’s why this is being recommended. The chemo drug is usually given at a reduced dosage when given with the radiation, as opposed to when the chemo is given alone, and so is better tolerated. Many of the drugs commonly used in CC are considered to be radiosensitizers: Gemzar, Platinums, 5FU, and the oral form of 5FU, Xeloda.
I hope that makes sense. Don’t you wish though that everything was just clear and that there was just one best way to do things…one best treatment! Wishing all the best to you and John. Please keep in touch and let us know what he decides and how the treatment goes.
Jean