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Chemoradiotherapy is a combination of chemotherapy| and radiotherapy|, and is sometimes known as chemoradiation.
It may be given before surgery to help shrink the cancer, or after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
The chemotherapy drugs can make the cancer cells more sensitive to radiotherapy. A combination of treatments may be more effective than having either chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone.
The chemotherapy drug most commonly used is fluorouracil (5FU),| which may be given as a series of injections before the radiotherapy, or as a drip (infusion). The chemotherapy can also be given as tablets called capecitabine|.
Giving chemotherapy and radiotherapy together can make the side effects of the treatment worse. Your doctor or specialist nurse can give you more information about chemoradiotherapy and the possible side effects of this treatment.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
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If you are diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer we have a pilot of a new online tool to help you make decisions about your treatment and care. Find out more|.
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.