Why might a patient receive both chemotherapy and radiation therapy?

Receiving both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be an effective treatment strategy because these modalities target cancer from different angles, enhancing the overall effectiveness of treatment. Chemotherapy uses medications to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing, affecting rapidly dividing cells throughout the body. Radiation therapy, on the other hand, employs high-energy radiation to specifically target tumor cells in a localized area, leading to cellular damage and ultimately tumor reduction.

By combining these two approaches, healthcare providers can improve the chances of eradicating cancer cells. This synergistic effect can sometimes result in smaller tumors or a reduction in the cancer burden, making subsequent treatments like surgery more effective if needed. This comprehensive treatment plan is especially beneficial for cancers that are more aggressive, advanced, or difficult to operate on, as each therapy can help compensate for the weaknesses of the other and provide a more thorough attack on the cancer.