The Combination of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy towards More Efficient Drug Delivery

Research on anticancer therapies has advanced significantly in recent years. New therapeutic platforms that can further improve the health of patients are still highly demanded. We propose the idea of combining regular chemotherapy with radiation therapy to minimize side effects as well as increase drug‐delivery efficiency. In this Focus Review, we seek to provide an overview of recent advances that can combine chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We begin by reviewing the current state of systems that can combine chemotherapy and gamma radiation. Among them, diselenide‐containing polymers are highlighted as sensitive drug‐delivery vehicles that can disassemble under gamma radiation. Then X‐ray responsive materials as promising alternative systems are summarized, including X‐ray responsive drug‐delivery vehicles, prodrugs that can be activated by X‐rays, and radiation‐site‐targeting systems. Finally, we describe strategies that involve phototherapies. Missing a piece? We propose the idea of combining regular chemotherapy with radiation therapy to minimize side effects and to increase drug‐delivery efficiency. The unfinished puzzle in the picture shows the Aesculapian snake—the symbol of pharmacy and cure—to remind us that there is still a gap between potent chemotherapeutics and radiotherapy. We hope the emerging research area summarized in this Focus Review can function as the connecting pieces to solve the puzzle of an effective and comprehensive treatment.