title: The clinical use of multimodality therapy in the management of cancer.
abstract: The essential challenge in managing malignant disease with intent of cure is to eradicate the last malignant cell without imposing unacceptable burdens regarding toxicity, functional loss, or damaged cosmesis. In this review we examine the strengths and limitations of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy when used as single modalities and the unique features of each that allow their advantageous combination. Finally, we consider newer developments in the antineoplastic armamentarium which may soon contribute to the challenges of achieving cure with acceptable sequelae.
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-8922, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Raben
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Abrams
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002455:Cell Division; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004249:DNA Damage; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D015996:Survival Rate
chemical_list: D004273:DNA, Neoplasm