n. a substance that increases the sensitivity of cells to radiation. The presence of oxygen and other compounds with a high affinity for electrons will increase radiosensitivity. Chemotherapy drugs such as fluorouracil and cisplatin can be used concurrently with radiotherapy as radiosensitizers (see chemoradiotherapy).
n. the use of concurrent chemotherapy as a *radiosensitizer and radical irradiation in the treatment of malignant disease. Combined treatment in this way offers higher response rates, particularly in some gastrointestinal malignancies, such as rectal cancer and (particularly) anal cancer. It is also of proven benefit in locally advanced squamous cancers, such as those arising from the head and neck region or the cervix of the uterus.... chemoradiotherapy
Health Encyclopedia