Hi Bill,
I underwent a clinical trial with Cisplatin and IMRT last year. The decision for me was based on my perception that IMRT would kill the cancer while leaving the good tissue. Quality of life was important to me. The combination with chemo was recommended due to the advanced stage of the disease. I felt the nature of the trial would give me a stronger treatment plan. I think my message to the Doctor was don't hold anything back. If it did not get it all, then surgery would be next. Even with the focus of IMRT, the surrounding area around the tumor still gets hit. I don't recall how long IMRT has been around, but I think it has been since the mid 90's? The whole process is scary, the best advice is read everything and ask a lot of questions. While I trusted my Doctor, in the end I made the decisions.
Best of luck,
Bob