Thanks for the inputs, David and Rob. Am definitely learning a lot here.

Questions for Rob:
If Induction Chemo is not strong enough to kill robust cancer cells, while concurrent chemoradiation therapy will, why not go straight to concurrent chemoradiation? Or is it that either (a) concurrent chemoradiation can't detect the weaker cancer cells, or (b) concurrent chemoradiation is only a targeted treatment? And assuming that concurrent chemoradiation is for targeted treatment, what if more robust cancer cells have metastacized to other distant parts of the body (which weren't killed by Induction Chemo)?

Excuse me if these questions have already been answered in previous points, you may just point me there.

Appreciate your responses.

Jojo


Diagnosed: 16Feb'09
Pre-op Dx: Tongue SCCA Stage IVB (T4N2cM0)
Opn: 2Mar'09. Total glossectomy, Neck dissection (Levels I-V), bilateral; Anterolateral, Thigh flap recon'n; Tracheostomy; PEG
Decanullation: 24Mar'09
IMRT x30, concurrent with chemo (cisplatin) x3: May-Jun '09
PEG out: 23Oct'09