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What Is Concurrent Chemotherapy?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Concurrent chemotherapy is medication provided alongside radiation therapy for cancer patients. Historic cancer treatment protocols often required patients to undergo chemotherapy and radiation separately. Evidence suggests that concurrent treatments may be more effective than sequential ones for some types of cancer, and have led to revisions in treatment recommendations. Patients preparing for cancer treatment can discuss their options with a doctor to determine what is most appropriate for their condition.

In chemotherapy treatments, the medications interfere with some stage of cell division to stop the growth of tumor cells and control the cancer. These can be continued for weeks or months, depending on how well the cancer responds to treatment. Radiation actively destroys cancerous cells to break up tumors. Research on concurrent chemotherapy indicates that the medications may make cells more susceptible to radiation. Taking drugs at the same time as radiation therapy can result in a more positive outcome when compared to patients who take one treatment at a time.

Concurrent chemotherapy is typically administered in the hospital or at an infusion center, where trained professionals can watch for adverse reactions.
Concurrent chemotherapy is typically administered in the hospital or at an infusion center, where trained professionals can watch for adverse reactions.

Patients for whom concurrent chemotherapy is recommended may take several chemotherapy drugs, depending on the cancer. They start with induction chemotherapy, which can include high doses in an attempt to hit the cancer as hard as possible. As they continue with the chemotherapy, they start attending radiation sessions. In each session, a technician carefully directs radiation at the tumor site to kill the cells.

Aggressive chemotherapy can wipe out the immune system, leaving the patient vulnerable to infection.
Aggressive chemotherapy can wipe out the immune system, leaving the patient vulnerable to infection.

One disadvantage of concurrent chemotherapy is that it can be hard on patients. The drugs used to treat cancer are extremely aggressive, and notoriously cause severe side effects like appetite loss and nausea. Radiation can also make patients feel unwell, depending on the location and the dosage. Combining the two can cause increased discomfort, and patients may have trouble with activities like holding still during radiation treatments when their chemotherapy medications are making them feel bad. Options to manage side effects are available to help patients complete treatment.

In the past, regimens to treat cancer required the patient to receive chemotherapy and radiation in separate sessions.
In the past, regimens to treat cancer required the patient to receive chemotherapy and radiation in separate sessions.

Cancer care can be highly individualized, depending on the type of cancer, the location, the patient’s medical history, and other factors. Care providers may not always recommend concurrent chemotherapy. If they do not feel it would be necessary or beneficial, they can provide information about other treatments and their reasoning behind rejecting this approach for a given patient. People with questions and concerns can meet with another care provider for a second opinion if they feel like they need more information before they decide on how they want to proceed with treatment.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Concurrent chemotherapy is typically administered in the hospital or at an infusion center, where trained professionals can watch for adverse reactions.
      By: Monkey Business
      Concurrent chemotherapy is typically administered in the hospital or at an infusion center, where trained professionals can watch for adverse reactions.
    • Aggressive chemotherapy can wipe out the immune system, leaving the patient vulnerable to infection.
      By: prudkov
      Aggressive chemotherapy can wipe out the immune system, leaving the patient vulnerable to infection.
    • In the past, regimens to treat cancer required the patient to receive chemotherapy and radiation in separate sessions.
      By: JPC-PROD
      In the past, regimens to treat cancer required the patient to receive chemotherapy and radiation in separate sessions.
    • Concurrent chemotherapy can be hard on patients.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Concurrent chemotherapy can be hard on patients.
    • The oncologist should explain all possible side effects of concurrent chemotherapy to patients before treatment begins.
      By: Monkey Business
      The oncologist should explain all possible side effects of concurrent chemotherapy to patients before treatment begins.
    • Evidence suggests that concurrent treatments may be more effective than sequential ones for some types of cancer.
      By: nebari
      Evidence suggests that concurrent treatments may be more effective than sequential ones for some types of cancer.
    • Taking chemotherapy drugs while receiving radiation therapy can result in a more positive outcome.
      By: Monkey Business
      Taking chemotherapy drugs while receiving radiation therapy can result in a more positive outcome.
    • Chemotherapy treatments may lead to the development of water in the heart.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Chemotherapy treatments may lead to the development of water in the heart.