Active Radiation Therapy Clinical Trials

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Radiation Therapy Clinical Trials FAQ

What types of radiation therapy are being tested in clinical trials?

Current radiation therapy trials are testing stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT/SABR), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain tumors, proton beam therapy, carbon ion therapy, MR-guided radiation, adaptive radiation planning, and ultra-hypofractionation (fewer, larger doses). Many trials combine radiation with immunotherapy or targeted drugs to enhance the anti-tumor effect.

What is the 'abscopal effect' and why is it relevant to clinical trials?

The abscopal effect is when radiation treatment to one tumor causes shrinkage of untreated tumors elsewhere in the body — an immune response triggered by the radiation. Clinical trials are actively testing whether combining radiation with immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors) can reliably produce this effect and turn a local treatment into a systemic one. This is one of the most exciting areas in radiation oncology research.

Is proton therapy available in radiation therapy clinical trials?

Yes. Proton therapy trials are studying whether proton beams (which deposit most of their energy at a specific depth and spare surrounding tissue) lead to better outcomes and fewer side effects than standard X-ray radiation — especially for head and neck, brain, lung, breast, and pediatric cancers. Access is growing as more proton centers open, and some trials specifically compare proton versus photon radiation.

Can radiation therapy trials be combined with my existing cancer treatment?

Many radiation trials incorporate standard chemotherapy (chemoradiation), immunotherapy, or targeted agents. Some test radiation as the primary treatment; others use it as a 'boost' or 'sensitizer' alongside systemic therapy. The specific combination depends on the trial design and your cancer type. Your radiation oncologist and medical oncologist will need to coordinate your care plan.

Radiation Therapy Trials by Cancer Type

• Brain Cancer — Brain cancer trials are testing IDH inhibitors, tumor-treating fields (TTFields), CAR-T therapies, and oncolytic viruses — with studies available for glioblastoma, grade 2/3 glioma, and brain metastases.
• Lung Cancer — Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Recruiting clinical trials are testing new immunotherapies, targeted therapies, and combination regimens for NSCLC and SCLC patients.
• Prostate Cancer — Prostate cancer trials are exploring next-generation hormone therapies, PARP inhibitors, radiopharmaceuticals, and novel immunotherapy combinations — including options for castration-resistant disease.
• Head and Neck Cancer — Head and neck cancer trials are testing PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors, cetuximab combinations, and organ-preservation strategies for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx.