  The effects of parton energy loss in nuclear matter on the Drell-Yan process
in pA and $\pi$A collisions at fixed-target energies are investigated.
Calculations are based on the Baier-Dokshitzer-Mueller-Peign\'{e}-Schiff
(BDMPS) framework embedded in a next-to-leading order calculation, using the
transport coefficient extracted from $J/\psi$ measurements. Model calculations
prove in good agreement with preliminary measurements by the E906 experiment,
despite a slightly different magnitude, supporting a consistent picture between
Drell-Yan and $J/\psi$ data. Predictions for the COMPASS future measurements in
$\pi$A collisions at $\sqrt{s}=18.9$~GeV are also performed. At higher
collision energy ($\sqrt{s}=38.7$~GeV), Drell-Yan measurements are only
slightly affected by energy loss effects. On the contrary, the E906 results
turn out in clear disagreement with nuclear PDF effects alone. The comparison
of E772, E866, and E906 measurements indicates for the first time a clear
violation of QCD factorization in Drell-Yan production in pA collisions.
