Synchronous Chemoradiation

'synchronous' means 'at the same time'. In this context, it would mean getting chemotherapy and radiation at the same time rather than getting it 'sequentially' or one after the other. 'synchronous' means 'at the same time'. In this context, it would mean getting chemotherapy and radiation at the same time rather than getting it 'sequentially' or one after the other.

A recent study (SECRAB – Sequencing of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Adjuvant Breast Cancer) reported their findings at the European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress. The study involved over 2000 women treated in 48 centers throughout the UK. Women with early stage breast cancer were randomized to synchronous (between chemotherapy cycles) or sequential (after chemotherapy was complete) radiation therapy. The 5-year local recurrence rates as reported at the conference were 2.8% (synchronous) and 5.1% (sequential). Optimal timing of chemotherapy and radiation has been a hot topic of debate for a long time. These results certainly raise important issues and will no doubt spark lots of discussion. Long-term follow-up will be important – to assess potential late toxicity and the local benefit. Lastly, we look forward to reading the study in its entirety in a peer-reviewed journal. A recent study (SECRAB – Sequencing of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Adjuvant Breast Cancer) reported their findings at the European Multidisciplinary Cancer Congress. The study involved over 2000 women treated in 48 centers throughout the UK. Women with early stage breast cancer were randomized to synchronous (between chemotherapy cycles) or sequential (after chemotherapy was complete) radiation therapy. The 5-year local recurrence rates as reported at the conference were 2.8% (synchronous) and 5.1% (sequential). Optimal timing of chemotherapy and radiation has been a hot topic of debate for a long time. These results certainly raise important issues and will no doubt spark lots of discussion. Long-term follow-up will be important – to assess potential late toxicity and the local benefit. Lastly, we look forward to reading the study in its entirety in a peer-reviewed journal.