Jon:
Induction Therapy is a combindation of chemo drugs given prior to radiation to reduce the tumor and cancer in other sites such as lymph nodes. In my case, I had a combination of Cisplatin, 5-fu, Texatera). There are several large studies (TAX324)that show that this therapy decreases the reoccurance time and increases overall life span of the patient. In my case, the Induction Therapy reduced my main tumor 80% before the radiation. Typically, the chemo is given in 3-1 week, 2 week off cyles, and then you start radiation. Since I had Cisplatin during Induction, my doctor changed my radiation drug to Carboplatin. I tolerated it very well. It was only after all this that if my cancer was not gone, they would do surgery. Fortunately, it's gone.
Hope this helps.
Sandyst