Chemoradiation Therapy (CRT)

When an oncologist decides that chemotherapy is the appropriate treatment for lung cancer, he or she may also recommend combining it with radiation therapy. Chemoradiation therapy may be given one after the other (sequential) or they may be given in combination with each other (concurrent). 

What is Chemoradiation Therapy (CRT)?

The most common way to administer CRT is to give chemotherapy and radiation during the same time period. This is called concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Chemoradiation therapy is usually given over the course of 6-7 weeks,* but depending on how you receive it, it could be longer or shorter.

CRT is typically used as a treatment option for people diagnosed with Stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a tumor that cannot be removed by surgery and has not spread to other organs outside of the chest.

Although chemotherapy and radiation therapy are both effective options individually, clinical data have shown that concurrent CRT has significant benefits over receiving them one at a time. People who are eligible and can tolerate the treatment receive concurrent CRT because it is associated with better outcomes compared to chemotherapy and radiation therapy given separately.

It’s important to follow your treatment plan. One challenge that some people face is getting to and from treatment. There are resources available to help you arrange and pay for transportation. 

Chemoradiation Therapy Side Effects

Everyone reacts to cancer treatments differently. And while side effects may or may not occur, it's important to be aware of how you're feeling and talk to your doctor if you notice any new or worsening changes in your body. Sometimes, even a small side effect can become more serious if it's not addressed.

Here are some common side effects to look out for:

• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mouth sores, throat pain or trouble swallowing
• Hair loss
• Shortness of breath or chest tightness/pain
• Dry cough
• Weakness
• Low-grade fever
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Infection
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Skin changes

It's important to understand potential treatment side effects. 

Here are some tips on managing common treatment side effects. Proper diet and exercise can help you manage some of the side effects from your treatment. Write down any changes so you can remember to discuss them with your doctor at your next appointment. Remember, no symptom is too small to mention.

Asking Your Doctor About CRT

Before starting CRT, you may have questions to ask your healthcare team. You might consider asking:

• What happens during chemoradiation therapy?
• How often and how long will I receive treatment?
• What side effects should I anticipate?
• If I do experience side effects, what can I do to manage them?
• Based on how my lung cancer responds to CRT, might I also be eligible for further treatment options?

After Chemoradiation Therapy

Once CRT is complete, talk with your doctor to find out the next step in your treatment plan. If you have Stage 3 NSCLC, 

 available to you if the cancer can't be removed by surgery and has not progressed after concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

*Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer V.5.2021. © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved. Accessed August 5, 2021. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org.
NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way.