// NATURE NEWS — SPAZIO & SCIENZA
Reply to: Pre-clinical data interpretation requires clinical context
Nature
volume 656, pages E5–E6 (2026) Cite this article
The Original Article was published on 12 August 2026
replying to: R. Muirhead et al. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10774-3 (2026).
We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the accompanying Comment by Muirhead et al.1 regarding our recent study2. We understand why a study examining systemic effects of radiotherapy might raise concerns among clinicians and patients who have come to trust stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) as an effective therapy. Our goal is not to undermine confidence in SABR, which clearly benefits patients, but to identify opportunities for refinement that could improve outcomes, particularly in curative settings.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals
Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Muirhead, R. et al. Pre-clinical data interpretation requires clinical context. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10774-3 (2026).
Piffkó, A. et al. Radiation-induced amphiregulin drives tumour metastasis. Nature 643, 810–819 (2025).