Dr. Adam Dicker on Combination Treatments With Radiation Therapy

Adam Dicker, MD, PhD, professor, chair, department of Radiation Oncology Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, discusses the potential for radiation combinations.

Several novel agents have been developed in the metastatic setting that have potential in combination with radiation in an earlier setting, says Dicker, particularly in the immunooncology setting. However, the industry is risk-averse to developing agents that have clinical benefit in one setting, in a different setting with radiation, he says.

Questions regarding the regulatory process and endpoints regarding radiation combination regimens are common, says Dicker. Patient reported outcomes are a possibility with radiation combinations, and many in the industry are unsure how those would work as an endpoint.

The FDA is now designing guidance documents do demonstrate that they are open for engagement with radiation. They are encouraging academics to partner with those in the industry to these combinations to the FDA. The FDA bring is trying to break down some of misconceptions in the field regarding what can and can not be done with radiation therapy.