Hi,
Gary is correct that there are studies indicating that the combination of radiation and cisplatin can yield better results than radiation alone. You don't mention whether or not your brother-in-law is being treated at a comphrehensive cancer center.

I would strongly recommend going to a comprehensive center if he's not at one currently and getting a second opinion. Doctors can have diffent level of agressiveness when treating this type of cancer. As many people on this board have said, you want to hit this disease as hard and fast as you can. Hope this is of some help. - Sheldon