Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy

Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy combines chemotherapy drugs with radiation therapy administered simultaneously to enhance tumor cell killing through synergistic cytotoxic effects.

Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy combines chemotherapy drugs with radiation therapy administered simultaneously to enhance tumor cell killing through synergistic cytotoxic effects. Used for Locally advanced solid tumors (specific tumor type dependent on trial protocol), Head and neck cancer, Esophageal cancer.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

This treatment approach uses chemotherapy agents as radiosensitizers to increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy, allowing lower radiation doses while maintaining or improving efficacy. The chemotherapy damages tumor DNA directly while also inhibiting repair mechanisms, making cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation-induced damage. This combined modality is particularly effective for locally advanced solid tumors where improved local control is critical.

Approved indications

• Locally advanced solid tumors (specific tumor type dependent on trial protocol)
• Head and neck cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Lung cancer

Common side effects

• Mucositis
• Dermatitis
• Hematologic toxicity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Dysphagia

Key clinical trials

• Becotatug Vedotin for LA-NPC With a Suboptimal Response to Induction Chemotherapy Combined With Immunotherapy (PHASE2)
• Testing the Addition of the Immunotherapy Drug, Pembrolizumab, to Radiation Therapy Compared to the Usual Chemotherapy Treatment During Radiation Therapy for Bladder Cancer, PARRC Trial (PHASE2)
• Testing the Safety of the Anti-Cancer Drugs Durvalumab and Olaparib During Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer (PHASE1)
• Testing the Addition of an Antibody to Standard Chemoradiation Followed by the Antibody for One Year to Standard Chemoradiation Followed by One Year of the Antibody in Patients With Unresectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE3)
• Chemoradiotherapy With or Without Atezolizumab in Treating Patients With Localized Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (PHASE3)
• Multiparametric MR-Guided High Dose Adaptive Radiotherapy With Concurrent Temozolomide in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma (PHASE2)
• A Phase 2 Study Adding Ascorbate to Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for NSCLC (PHASE2)
• Topical Periplaneta Americana-Derived Meilian Fuxin Liquid for Radiation Dermatitis (PHASE2, PHASE3)

Primary sources

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