title: Role of Radiation Therapy and Fluoropyrimidines in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Malignancies.
abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of combined chemotherapy and radiation for gastrointestinal malignancies has several theoretical advantages, and clinical trials to determine the type and extent of clinical benefits have been performed. METHODS: The basic science and clinical trial data evaluating such combinations are reviewed, with an emphasis on the interactions between fluoropyrimidines and radiation. RESULTS: Improved outcomes from chemoradiotherapy have been demonstrated in patients with selected stages of anal, esophageal, rectal, and pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Despite these positive results, further work is needed to demonstrate even more effective and less toxic treatment regimens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Arizona 85259, USA.
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Schild
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Martenson