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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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Chemoradiotherapy is a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It’s sometimes known as chemoradiation and may be given in the treatment of rectal cancer 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, so a combination of treatment may be more effective than having either chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone.
The chemotherapy drug that is 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.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.