I have not started treatment yet but I have one group of physicians recommending adjunctive chemo treatment and another group that has has indicated that chemo might not be indicated in my case, I'm confused...Please help

Without knowing your diagnosis or staging ect michael it will be difficult for people to advise or comment.Could you put a bit more flesh on the bones?

Adjunctive chemo can add an as much as 13% improved outcome by enhancing the radiation. It is toxic however and SOME experience various side effects from it from temporary to permanent. These effects can be managed by your team.

I personally have had more problems with side effects from the radiation than the chemo. Nothing that slows me down or stops me from enjoying life.

Typically adjunctive chemo is indicated mainly for stage 2 or higher, stage 2 being on the fence. Stage 3 or higher I wouldn't even consider not having it.

Gary has this right in my book. The long term quality of life issues come from the grays of radiation, not the chemo. I'm a "hit it with the biggest hammer possible from the get go" kind of guy. You don't want to think about recurences down the road, and getting it all, including micro mets now, is a good path. Will it be more taxing on you personally for awhile? Yes, but that will pass.

Agressive diagnosis and agressive treatment in my books equals better chance of recovery and a better outlook for the future.

Mike

I wish Robins surgeons had felt that way.Their confidence in just surgery and radiation was obviously misplaced and cost him a chance at survival.When he was diagnosed and staged he was expected to make a full and complete recovery ,but this disease is no respector of statistics or even expectations.
Hit it hard with everything you have and give youself the very best shot at beating it.

liz

I also had adjunctive chemo, initially cisplating and then carboplatin. Used this way the chemo is a radiosensitizer as Gary already said.

I had this weekly (a total of 7 times) and at least in my case the effects of the chemo were not an issue, although I did end up with a low white cell blood count (from carboplatin). .... For which they have another injection (neupogen not a big deal).


Markus

Sorry for the slow reply, I've been away. I have a T1, N1 diagnosis. I have read some recent studies that indicate that ct may not have a necessarily positive potentiating effect on cases similar to mine. I have also read that HPV instigated tumors respond well to radiation treatment alone.

Dear Michael, T1, N1 of what? I assume it must be tongue. The standard of care is RT after surgery. Cisplatin and Paclitaxel have been used as potentiating agents but the exact effect on improvement has not been quantified. I suggest RT definitely. Chemo would be weekly schedule and optional. ALL THE VERY BEST TO YOU CHIEF!
Love,
Dileep