Combined Cancer Therapy May Improve Progression-Free Survival
New trial results suggest that adding targeted radiation to systemic therapy could help patients with certain cancers.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Cancer
The EXTEND clinical trial of 350 patients suggests that adding stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to standard systemic therapy may improve progression-free survival. These early results show promise for treating certain solid tumors, though effectiveness varies by cancer type.
Why it matters
This approach aims to improve outcomes for patients with metastatic cancer by combining systemic treatments with targeted radiation. The trial findings offer a new potential path for optimizing care plans based on how a patient responds to their initial therapy.
This Phase II randomized trial of 350 participants evaluated the addition of SBRT to systemic therapy over a median follow-up of 53 months. While findings show improved progression-free survival in prostate and pancreatic cancer, results for breast and kidney cancer remain inconclusive.
The details
The trial tested whether adding metastasis-directed SBRT to standard systemic therapy could enhance control of disease across various cancer histologies. By targeting active tumor sites with high-precision radiation, researchers aimed to trigger systemic immune reactions that could slow disease progression. A secondary finding identified that the clearance of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at 3 months served as a potential marker for longer patient survival.
Timeline
3 months: Measurement point for ctDNA clearance.
53 months: Median follow-up duration for the trial.
Health Landscape
The EXTEND clinical trial represents a move toward combining localized, targeted radiation with systemic medicine to address metastatic disease. This research builds on established efforts to tailor cancer treatment based on histology-specific responses and real-time markers like ctDNA.
If you are managing metastatic cancer, these results suggest that asking a physician about current clinical trials or personalized combination therapies may be worthwhile. Decisions regarding treatment changes should always be discussed with your oncology team to understand your specific prognosis.
The takeaway
The EXTEND trial highlights the potential for combining targeted radiation with systemic therapy to slow disease progression. Patients may want to monitor their response to treatment markers, such as ctDNA, in discussion with their oncologist.
What happens next
The positive Phase II results will support the development of Phase III clinical trials to further validate these findings.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving standards for oncology care, visit our Cancer section.
