Simultaneous radiation and drug therapy: tumor response and toxicity

Three patients who received simultaneous radiation and chemotherapy are described. Increased tumor response and enhanced radiation reaction were observed. Simultaneous drug and radiation therapy may prove to be the treatment of choice for particular malignant tumors. More data concerning the magnitude of the toxic effects when 2 modalities are used in conjunction is needed. Dose adjustments will be required for each modality to allow for optimal damage to the tumor with minimal and acceptable adverse reaction in the normal tissue.