Development of a core outcome set of clinical research on the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine for spinal metastases:

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the incidence of spinal metastasis (SM) has been increasing steadily. In response to this serious public health problem, researchers have made progress by using the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. However, considerable heterogeneity in the definition and measurement of outcomes across clinical research studies, along with the lack of uniform measurement standards for study data, makes it difficult for researchers to compare different treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately evaluate clinical research on the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine for SM.

METHODS

This study protocol outlines a comprehensive research programme based on the Core Outcome Set Standards Protocol Items. The study consists of four phases: a literature review, semistructured interviews, a two-round modified Delphi survey, a consensus meeting. Phase 1 involves a comprehensive literature review to extract outcomes used in current clinical studies of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine or Western medicine for the treatment of SM. A semistructured interview format will be used to survey patients and caregivers in phase 2 to collect suggestions from the patient perspective. Phase 3 involves a two-round modified Delphi survey to complete a prioritisation evaluation of outcomes to generate a candidate list for core outcome set (COS). Finally, phase 4 involves a face-to-face consensus meeting to review and establish the COS.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Conducted in response to the current dilemma of SM, the study was endorsed by the Spine Oncology Group of the Orthopaedic Surgeons Branch of the Chinese Physicians' Association. It will be developed and reported through a rigorous process, with the results of the study to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Registration: COMET Registry: COMET 2938; https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/2938.

Oncologic Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning Methods in CT Spine Imaging-A Systematic Review

In spinal oncology, integrating deep learning with computed tomography (CT) imaging has shown promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in CT imaging for spinal tumors. A PRISMA-guided search identified 33 studies: 12 (36.4%) focused on detecting spinal malignancies, 11 (33.3%) on classification, 6 (18.2%) on prognostication, 3 (9.1%) on treatment planning, and 1 (3.0%) on both detection and classification. Of the classification studies, 7 (21.2%) used machine learning to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, 3 (9.1%) evaluated tumor stage or grade, and 2 (6.1%) employed radiomics for biomarker classification. Prognostic studies included three (9.1%) that predicted complications such as pathological fractures and three (9.1%) that predicted treatment outcomes. AI's potential for improving workflow efficiency, aiding decision-making, and reducing complications is discussed, along with its limitations in generalizability, interpretability, and clinical integration. Future directions for AI in spinal oncology are also explored. In conclusion, while AI technologies in CT imaging are promising, further research is necessary to validate their clinical effectiveness and optimize their integration into routine practice.

The Perioperative Effects of Preoperative Radiotherapy in Metastatic Spinal Tumor Patients

OBJECTIVE

Radiotherapy is one of the important treatment options for metastatic spinal tumors but is not the definite intervention in all cases, as there are patients who still require surgical treatment because of severe pain or neurologic events after this treatment. We evaluated the perioperative effects of preoperative radiotherapy in these cases as a future guide for surgeons on critical considerations in this period.

METHODS

We included 328 patients in this study who had undergone decompression and fusion surgery for metastatic spinal tumors. Patients who underwent surgery with preoperative radiotherapy were designated as the radiotherapy group (group RT, n = 81), and cases of surgery without preoperative radiotherapy were assigned to the non-radiotherapy group (group nRT, n = 247). We compared the demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative factors between these 2 groups.

RESULTS

In terms of intraoperative factors, statistically significant differences were evident in operation time, estimated blood loss, and transfusion (RT vs. nRT: 188.1 ± 80.7 minutes vs. 231.2 ± 106.1 minutes, 607.2 ± 532.7 mL vs. 830.1 ± 1324.7 mL, and 30.9% vs. 43.3%, P < 0.001, P < 0.031, and P < 0.048, respectively). With regard to postoperative factors, the incidence of infection, wound problems, and local recurrence were statistically higher in group RT (RT vs. nRT: 6.2% vs. 0.8%, 12.3% vs. 0.8%, 23.4% vs. 13.7%, P = 0.004, P < 0.001, and P = 0.038, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative radiotherapy has the intraoperative advantages of reducing bleeding and shortening the operating time, but postoperative caution is needed because of the possibility of infection, wound problems, and local recurrence increases.

Advances in Surgery for Metastatic Disease of the Spine: An Update for Oncologists

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

OBJECTIVE

Metastatic spine disease is an increasingly common clinical challenge that requires individualised multidisciplinary care from spine surgeons and oncologists. In this article, the authors describe the recent surgical advances in patients presenting with spinal metastases.

METHODS

We present an overview of the presentation, assessment, and management of spinal metastases from the perspective of the spine surgeon, highlighting advances in surgical technology and techniques, to facilitate multidisciplinary care for this complex patient group. Neither institutional review board approval nor patient consent was needed for this review.

RESULTS

Advances in radiotherapy delivery and systemic therapy (including immunotherapy and targeted therapy) have refined operative indications for decompression of neural structures and spinal stabilisation, while advances in surgical technology and technique enable these goals to be achieved with reduced morbidity. Formulating individualised management strategies that optimise outcome, while meeting patient goals and expectations, requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors important to patient management.

CONCLUSION

Spinal metastases require prompt diagnosis and expert management by a multidisciplinary team. Improvements in systemic, radiation, and surgical therapies have broadened operative indications and increased operative candidacy, and future advances are likely to continue this trend.

Intraoperative radiotherapy combined with spinal stabilization surgery-a novel treatment strategy for spinal metastases based on a first single-center experiences

INTRODUCTION

Current treatment of spinal metastases (SM) aims on preserving spinal stability, neurological status, and functional status as well as achieving local control. It consists of spinal surgery followed by radiotherapy and/or systemic treatment. Adjuvant therapy usually starts with a delay of a few weeks to prevent wound healing issues. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) has previously been successfully applied during brain tumor, breast and colorectal carcinoma surgery but not in SM, including unstable one, to date. In our case series, we describe the feasibility, morbidity and mortality of a novel treatment protocol for SM combining stabilization surgery with IORT.

METHODS

Single center case series on patients with SM. Single session stabilization by navigated open or percutaneous procedure using a carbon screw-rod system followed by concurrent 50 kV photon-IORT (ZEISS Intrabeam). The IORT probe is placed via a guide canula using navigation, positioning is controlled by IOCT or 3D-fluroscopy enabling RT isodose planning in the OR.

RESULTS

15 (8 female) patients (71 ± 10y) received this treatment between 07/22 and 09/23. Median Spinal Neoplastic Instability Score was 8 [7-10] IQR. Most metastasis were located in the thoracic (n = 11, 73.3%) and the rest in the lumbar (n = 4, 26.7%) spine. 9 (60%) patients received open, 5 (33%) percutaneous stabilization and 1 (7%) decompression only. Mean length of surgery was 157 ± 45 min. Eleven patients had 8 and 3 had 4 screws placed. In 2 patients radiotherapy was not completed due to bending of the guide canula with consecutive abortion of IORT. All other patients received 8 Gy isodoses at mdn. 1.5 cm [1.1-1.9, IQR] depth during 2-6 min. The patients had Epidural Spinal Cord Compression score 1a-3. Seven patients (46.7%) experienced adverse events including 2 surgical site infection (one 65 days after surgery).

CONCLUSION

50 kV photon IORT for SM and consecutive unstable spine needing surgical intervention is safe and feasible and can be a promising technique in selected cases.

Short-term outcomes after spinal surgery for metastatic breast cancer: A single-center analysis

Background

Advances in detection and breast cancer treatment lead to higher survival rates, with more patients living with spine metastases. Those surgeries are palliative; however, they can improve the quality of life (QOL).

Objective

The aim of this study is to report pain and neurological function outcomes after surgery for spinal metastatic disease of breast cancer patients of a single institution. Complications were recorded.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective, single-center, single-arm study was performed. Consecutive patients who underwent spinal surgery were included. We analyzed demographic, surgical, histopathological, and clinical data.

Results

Seventeen women were included. Three patients (17.6%) did not present pre- and postoperative pain (n = 3), 6 (35.3%) had pain in both situations, and 8 (47.1%) were pain-free postoperatively (P = 0.013). Ten (58.8%) patients had preoperative deficits: 3 (30%) did not improve and 7 (70%) improved after surgery. Six cases (35.2%) did not present preoperative deficits and did not get worse (n = 6). The Frankel classification after the following time showed that 11 patients (64.7%) remained stable after surgery and 5 patients (29.4%) got better. A single patient (5.6%) had deterioration of strength. Two patients (11.7%) had intraoperative complications.

Conclusions

Pain was significantly improved by surgery, with also a possibly positive effect on functionality. Considering the low complication rates, surgery is still a useful tool in the management of spinal metastases in breast cancer patients and may be related to better QOL.

Patient-Reported and Clinical Outcomes of Surgically Treated Patients With Symptomatic Spinal Metastases: Results From Epidemiology, Process, and Outcomes of Spine Oncology (EPOSO), a Prospective, Multi-Institutional and International Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The palliative impact of spine surgery for metastatic disease is evolving with improvements in surgical technique and multidisciplinary cancer care. The goal of this study was to prospectively evaluate long-term clinical outcomes including health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) measures, using spine cancer-specific patient-reported-outcome (PRO) measures, in patients with symptomatic spinal metastases who underwent surgical management.

METHODS

The Epidemiology, Process, and Outcomes of Spine Oncology (EPOSO, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01825161) trial is a prospective-observational cohort study that included 10 specialist centers in North America and Europe. Patients aged 18 to 75 years who underwent surgery for spinal metastases were included. Prospective assessments included both spine tumor-specific and generic PRO tools which were collected for a minimum of 2 years post-treatment or until death.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty patients (51.8% female, mean age 57.9 years) were included. At presentation, the mean Charlson Comorbidity Index was 6.0, 35.7% had neurological deficits as defined by the American Spinal Cord Injury Association scores, 47.2% had high-grade epidural spinal cord compression (2-3), and 89.6% had impending or frank instability as measured by a Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score of ≥7. The most common primary tumor sites were breast (20.2%), lung (18.8%), kidney (16.2%), and prostate (6.5%). The median overall survival postsurgery was 501 days, and the 2-year progression-free-survival rate was 38.4%. Compared with baseline, significant and durable improvements in HRQOL were observed at the 6-week, 12-week, 26-week, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up assessments from a battery of PRO questionnaires including the spine cancer-specific, validated, Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire v2.0, the Short Form 36 version 2, EuroQol-5 Dimension (3L), and pain numerical rating scale score.

CONCLUSION

Multi-institutional, prospective-outcomes data confirm that surgical decompression and/or stabilization provides meaningful and durable improvements in multiple HRQOL domains, including spine-specific outcomes based on the Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire v2.0, for patients with metastatic spine disease.

Unveiling the natural history of paralysis in metastatic cervical spinal tumor: An experimental study

Introduction

Despite the relatively low prevalence of metastatic cervical spinal tumor, these entities give rise to more profound complications than thoracic and lumbar spinal tumor. However, it is regrettable that experimental investigation has thus far shown a dearth of attention to metastatic cervical spinal tumor.

Research question

What is the conceptualization and realization of quadriparesis resulting from metastatic cervical spinal tumor?

Material and methods

Using Fischer 344 rats as the experimental cohort, this study orchestrated the engraftment of tumor cells procured from the 13762 MAT B III cell line (RRID: CVCL_3475), which represents mammary adenocarcinoma. These cells were engrafted into the vertebrae of the cervical spine. A comprehensive inquiry encompassing behavioral assessments, histological evaluations, and microangiographic analyses conducted after the aforementioned cellular transplantation was subsequently pursued.

Results

The incidence of cervical paralysis was 61.1%. Notably, the evolution of paralysis was unfurled by two distinctive temporal phases within its natural history. A meticulous histological examination facilitated delineation of the tumor's posterior expansion within the spinal canal. Simultaneously, the tumor exhibited anterior and lateral encroachment on the spinal cord, inducing compression from all sides. Augmented by microangiographic investigations, conspicuous attenuation of stained blood vessels within the affected anterior horn and funiculus of the spinal cord was observed.

Discussion and conclusion

The pathological advancement of paralysis stemming from metastatic cervical spinal tumor is now apprehended to unfurl through a biphasic phase. The initial phase is characterized by gradual unfurling spanning several days, juxtaposed against the second phase marked by swift and accelerated progression.

Evaluation of computed tomography artefacts of carbon-fiber and titanium implants in patients with spinal oligometastatic disease undergoing stereotactic ablative radiotherapy

This study evaluated artefacts on computed tomography (CT) images using Hounsfield units (HU) in patients with spinal oligometastatic disease who received carbon-fiber (CF; n = 11) or titanium (n = 11) spine implants and underwent stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). Pre- and postoperative HU were measured at the vertebral body, pedicle, and spinal cord at three different levels: the lower instrumented vertebra, the level of metastatic spinal cord compression, and an uninvolved level. Areas measured at each level were delicately matched pre- and postoperatively. Significant differences in HU were observed at the vertebral body, the pedicle, and the spinal cord at the lowest instrumented vertebra level for both CF and titanium (average increase 1.54-fold and 5.11-fold respectively). At the metastatic spinal cord compression level, a trend towards a higher HU-increase was observed in titanium compared with CF treated patients (average increase 2.51-fold and 1.43-fold respectively). The relatively high postoperative HU-increase after insertion of titanium implants indicated CT artefacts, while the relatively low HU-increase of CF implants was not associated with artefacts. Less CT artefacts could facilitate an easier contouring phase in radiotherapy planning. In addition, we propose a CT artefact grading system based on postoperative HU-increase. This system could serve as a valuable tool in future research to assess if less CT artefacts lead to time savings during radiotherapy treatment planning and, potentially, to better tumoricidal effects and less adverse effects if particle therapy would be administered.

Quantification of MRI Artifacts in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polyetheretherketone Thoracolumbar Pedicle Screw Constructs prior to Spinal Stereotactic Radiosurgery

PURPOSE

Carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFRP) is a nonmetallic material that is a subject of growing interest in the field of spinal instrumentation manufacturing. The radiolucency and low magnetic susceptibility of CFRP has potential to create less interference with diagnostic imaging compared with titanium implants. However, an objective comparison of the image artifact produced by titanium and CFRP implants has not been described. Spinal oncology, particularly after resection of spinal tumors and at the time of spinal stereotactic radiosurgery planning, relies heavily on imaging interpretation for evaluating resection, adjuvant treatment planning, and surveillance. We present a study comparing measurements of postoperative magnetic resonance imaging artifacts between titanium and CFRP pedicle screw constructs in the setting of separation surgery for metastatic disease.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The diameter of the signal drop around the screws (pedicle screw artifact) and the diameter of the spinal canal free from artifacts (canal visualization) were measured in consecutive patients who had spinal instrumentation followed by spinal stereotactic radiosurgery in the June 2019 to May 2022 timeframe. The spinal cord presented a shift at the screw level in sagittal images which was also measured (Sagittal Distortion, SagD).

RESULTS

Fifty patients, corresponding to 356 screws and 183 vertebral levels, were evaluated overall. CFRP produced less artifacts in all the 3 parameters compared with titanium: mean pedicle screw artifact (CFRP = 5.8 mm, Ti = 13.2 mm), canal visualization (CFRP = 19.2 mm, Ti = 15.5 mm), and SagD (CFRP = .5 mm, Ti = 1.9 mm), all P < .001. In practice, these findings translate into better-quality magnetic resonance imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial perceived advantages are easier evaluation of postoperative imaging, facilitating radiation treatment planning, recurrence detection, and avoidance in repeating a suboptimal computed tomography myelogram. Further clinical studies analyzing long-term outcomes of patients treated with CFRP implants are necessary.

A study on short-term efficacy and safety of Iodine-125 brachytherapy coupled with preoperative arterial chemoembolization for hypervascular spinal metastasis

PURPOSE

Hypervascular spinal metastatic malignancies can cause severe pain and intraoperative bleeding and selection of appropriate treatment can be challenging. This study aimed to observe the short-term efficacy and safety of Iodine-125 brachytherapy (125I BT) combined with preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hypervascular spinal metastasis.

METHODS

This study included a total of 33 patients (39 lesions) with hypervascular spinal metastasis. All of them carried out a regimen of TACE followed by 125I BT under CT guidance. A brachytherapy planning system has been utilized for the purpose of designing treatment plans and optimizing dose distribution. Pain relief was evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS) and intraoperative bleeding was recorded. Follow-up was conducted for 6 months to observe the local control rate and clinical complications.

RESULTS

All patients tolerated combined treatment well and intraoperative blood loss of every patient was not more than 10 ml. The 2- and 6- month local disease control rates were 92.3% and 83.8%. The NRS scores for thirty-three tumor patients before surgery and after one week, two, and six months of surgery were recorded as 7.33 ± 1.80, 7.39 ± 1.89, 3.15 ± 2.35, and 4.16 ± 2.15, respectively. The NRS score 2 months after treatment was found considerably lower in comparison to the NRS score before operation (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our findings, 125I BT as well as preoperative TACE leads to perioperative hemostasis, pain alleviation, and reduced tumor burden, indicating that this combined treatment could be effective and promising for hypervascular spinal metastases.

Management of metastatic bone disease of melanoma

One of the most aggressive tumors arising from the skin, mucosa, and uvea is malignant melanoma, which easily metastasizes. Bone tissue is one of the most typical locations for distant metastasis, and around 5%-20% of patients eventually acquired skeletal metastases. For decades, the incidence of bone metastases was higher, bringing greater burden on the family, society, and healthcare system owing to the progress of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, which prolonging the survival time substantially. Moreover, bone metastases result in skeletal-related events, which influence the quality of life, obviously. Appropriate intervention is therefore crucial. To obtain the optimum cost-effectiveness, existing treatment algorithm must be integrated, which is still controversial. We have aimed to throw light on current views concerning the formation, biological and clinical features, and treatment protocol of melanoma bone metastases to guide the decision-making process.

Translation and Cross-cultural Adaptation of the SOSG-OQ 2.0 Questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese

Objective:  To perform the cross-cultural adaptation and translation into Brazilian Portuguese of the Spine Oncology Study Group - Outcomes Questionnaire 2.0 (SOSG-OQ 2.0) to enable its application to Brazilian patients and to allow Brazilian researchers to use a questionnaire that is on trend in the scientific literature. Materials and Methods:  The present is a basic, non-randomized, non-comparative study. The translation followed the proposal by Reichenheime and Moraes, mainly for the semantic equivalence and measurement equivalence sessions, as well as the recommendations by Coster and Mancini mainly in the translation stage. The stages were as follows: first - translation into Brazilian Portuguese; second - back-translation; third - semantic comparison; fourth - validation of the final construct. Results:  The translations of the SOSG-OQ 2.0 made by three translators presented a high degree of similarity for most questions. The translators kept all question titles and subtitles, as well as their internal and external orders. Two sworn translators, with native proficiency in English, performed the back-translation of the amalgamated text. Both back-translations were quite similar, and any differences were solved through consensus between the main author and the sworn translators, and the translated text was considered the final version. Conclusion:  The present study shows a translated version of the SOSG-OQ 2.0 with semantic validity with the original version published in English. As such, researchers can apply the questionnaire to the Brazilian population, adding another tool for spine surgeons to improve the monitoring of this complex group of patients.

Measurement properties of health-related quality of life measures for people living with metastatic disease of the spine: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Patients with spinal metastases (SM) suffer from a significant quality of life (QoL) deterioration. The measurement of QoL has garnered significant attention. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the frequency of QoL measurement, systematically appraise the measurement properties of identified instruments, and facilitate the effective selection of an appropriate QoL instrument for patients with SM.

METHODS

This systematic review adhered to the newly revised Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Measurement property results were assessed using the adapted criteria. Each measurement property was allocated a separate rating (excellent, good, fair, or poor). 'Best evidence synthesis' was performed using COSMIN outcomes and the quality of findings.

RESULT

Two hundred and nine publications were included, and 18 instruments were identified. ECOG, EuroQol-5D, SF-36, SOSGOQ, and EORTC-QLQ-C30 were the top five instruments used for patients with SM in published literature. The measurement properties evaluated included internal consistency (four instruments), reliability (three instruments), validity (five instruments), validity (nine measures), floor and ceiling effects (four instruments), responsiveness (four instruments), and interpretability (three measures). Based on the limited evidence, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) had the best methodological quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Owing to the limitations of BPI in assessment domains, we cannot fully support the use of BPI. For the lack of high-quality research, it is challenging to nominate a single appropriate measure. Additional studies are needed to explore the evidence before a confirmatory decision is made.

Surgical management of spinal metastases from primary thyroid carcinoma: Demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes - A retrospective analysis

Objective

Metastatic spinal tumors represent a rare but concerning complication of primary thyroid carcinoma. We identified demographics, metastatic features, outcomes, and treatment strategies for these tumors in our institutional cohort.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients surgically treated for spinal metastases of primary thyroid carcinoma. Demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment modalities were collected. The functional outcomes were quantified using Nurik, Modified Rankin, and Karnofsky Scores.

Results

Twelve patients were identified who underwent 17 surgeries for resection of spinal metastases. The primary thyroid tumor pathologies included papillary (4/12), follicular (6/12), and Hurthle cell (2/12) subtypes. The average number of spinal metastases was 2.5. Of the primary tumor subtypes, follicular tumors averaged 2.8 metastases at the highest and Hurthle cell tumors averaged 2.0 spinal metastases at the lowest. Five patients (41.7%) underwent preoperative embolization for their spinal metastases. Seven patients (58.3%) received postoperative radiation. There was no significant difference in progression-free survival between patients receiving surgery with adjuvant radiation and surgery alone (P = 0.0773). Five patients (41.7%) experienced postoperative complications. Two patients (16.7%) succumbed to disease progression and two patients (16.7%) experienced tumor recurrence following resection. Postsurgical mean Nurik scores decreased 0.54 points, mean Modified Rankin scores decreased 0.48 points, and mean Karnofsky scores increased 4.8 points.

Conclusion

Surgery presents as an important treatment modality in the management of spinal metastases from thyroid cancer. Further work is needed to understand the predictive factors for survival and outcomes following treatment.

Development of a novel 12-point grading system for evaluating epidural spinal cord compression and its clinical implications

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The assessment of epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) plays a crucial role in clinical decision-making, yet the current grading system lacks reliability and requires improvements.

PURPOSE

The study aims to develop a reliable grading system for evaluating ESCC and to investigate its association with the neurological status of patients.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

A prospective cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

A total of 330 patients with metastatic spinal disease were included in the study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome was the neurological status evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale.

METHODS

We proposed a novel grading system, called the 12-point ESCC grading system, to evaluate ESCC based on findings from spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This new grading system consists of 12 grades, ranging from Grade 0 to 3, with higher grades indicating more severe ESCC. The detailed information about the sagittal image of the spine and the severity of spinal cord swelling was considered in this new grading system. The Spearman correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were employed to investigate the correlation between the previous 6-point grading system and ASIA, as well as between the new 12-point ESCC grading system and ASIA. The prediction effectiveness was evaluated using the area under curve (AUC) analysis.

RESULTS

Patients with higher grades in the 12-point ESCC grading system exhibited a higher likelihood of experiencing a worse neurological condition. Specifically, patients with grades 2a to 2d and 3a to 3d according to the new 12-point ESCC grading system were significantly associated with more complete paralysis (p<.001) compared with patients with grade 0. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.729 between the previous 6-point ESCC grading system and ASIS and 0.750 between the new 12-point ESCC grading system and ASIS. When categorizing ASIS into complete paralysis and other neurological statuses, the 6-point ESCC score yielded an AUC of 0.820, which increased to 0.860 with the new 12-point ESCC grading system. Furthermore, when ASIS was divided into normal and abnormal neurological statuses, the AUC increased from 0.889 to 0.906. Additionally, spinal cord swelling was significantly associated with more complete paralysis (p<.001) and abnormal neurological status (p<.001) based on the new 12-point ESCC grading system.

CONCLUSIONS

The new 12-point ESCC grading system provides more detailed information and further improves the prediction effectiveness for evaluating neurological status compared with the previous 6-point ESCC grading system. In the new 12-point ESCC grading system, higher grades or the presence of spinal cord swelling are indicative of a worse neurological condition.

Biomaterials-enhanced bioactive agents to efficiently block spinal metastases of cancers

The spine is the most common site of bone metastases, as 20%-40% of cancer patients suffer from spinal metastases. Treatments for spinal metastases are scarce and palliative, primarily aiming at relieving bone pain and preserving neurological function. The bioactive agents-mediated therapies are the most effective modalities for treating spinal metastases because they achieve systematic and specific tumor regression. However, the clinical applications of some bioactive agents are limited due to the lack of targeting capabilities, severe side effects, and vulnerability of drug resistance. Fortunately, advanced biomaterials have been developed as excipients to enhance these treatments, including chemotherapy, phototherapy, magnetic hyperthermia therapy, and combination therapy, by improving tumor targeting and enabling sustaining and stimuli-responsive release of various therapeutic agents. Herein, the review summarizes the development of biomaterials-mediated bioactive agents for enhanced treatments of spinal metastases and predicts future research trends.

Can the Unipedicular Approach Replace Bipedicular Percutaneous Balloon Kyphoplasty for the Management of Metastatic Vertebral Lesions?

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

To compare the clinical and radiographic results of bipedicular and unipedicular approaches(UPK and BPK) in the management of metastatic vertebral lesions MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two patients with 159 metastatic vertebral lesions who underwent UPK(25 cases, 69 lesions) or BPK(57 cases, 90 lesions) were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical results were assessed mainly depending on the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) and Quality of Life(QoL). Radiographic outcomes were evaluated primarily on the basis of bone cement distribution and changes in vertebral body height(VBH). Major and minor complications were systematically evaluated and compared to assess the safety of the 2 procedures.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were observed in age, sex, types of lesions, location of lesions, posterior vertebral body and/or pedicle involvement, percentage of vertebra invasion between the groups(p=0.17-0.83). The radiographic parameter VBH was similarly improved in both groups(p=0.26-0.93). There was a significant improvement in the clinical parameters VAS score, ODI, and QoL at each follow-up examination compared with the preoperative results(p<0.001). Significant improvement was observed in the VBH at each follow-up point(p<0.05) compared to pre-procedure. UPK was superior to BPK in terms of the operative duration(p<0.001), cement volume(p=0.004), and surgical complications(p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

Both UPK and BPK resulted in similar clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with metastatic vertebral lesions. The UPK had advantages including a shorter operation and lower cement volume than the BPK, which may have played an important role in reducing the incidence of complications. UPK can replace BPK in the treatment of metastatic vertebral lesions.

Posterior-only approach in patients with poor general condition and spinal metastatic vertebral fracture

PURPOSE

The surgical treatment of spinal metastases is mostly palliative in nature and focuses on improving the quality of life of patients. The posterior transpedicular surgical approach provides circumferential 360° decompression, allows reconstruction and stabilisation to be achieved in a single session and can be performed using an open, mini-open or minimally invasive approach. We present and discuss the surgical techniques and outcomes for patients with single-level metastatic spinal disease and in poor general condition who underwent surgery via the posterior-only transpedicular corpectomy approach and reconstruction with expandable corpectomy cages.

METHODS

Patients with a single level thoracolumbar metastatic disease (T3-L5) and a Karnofsky score of ≤70, who underwent a complete posterior transpedicular corpectomy with expandable cage reconstruction of the anterior spinal column were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' demographics, SINS, modified Tokuhashi scores as well as preoperative and postoperative ASIA scale, Karnofsky scores, VAS scores and vertebral height/Cobb angle values were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients (24 M/20 F) (mean age 53.25±21.26 years) met the inclusion criteria. The modified Tokuhashi scores were as follows: score 0-8, 5 (11.4%) patients; score 9-11, 14 (31.8%) patients; and score 12-15, 25 (56.8%) patients. There were significant improvements in the postoperative VAS scores (mean 7.7-2.9), Karnofsky scores (mean 63.3-79.6) as well as the Cobb angles (18.6-12.8°) and vertebral height. Thirtyfive patients showed improved neurological function by at least one ASIA grade, whereas 9 showed no improvement during the postoperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique, which has a low complication rate and a short recovery time, can help achieve satisfactory results even in patients with poor metabolic profiles and Karnofsky scores in the preoperative period. Further clinical studies with large patient groups are warranted to confirm the results of this study.

Treatment progress of spinal metastatic cancer: a powerful tool for improving the quality of life of the patients

Spinal metastasis is a common secondary malignant tumor of the bone, often resulting in spinal cord and nerve root compression, leading to obvious pain and related compression symptoms. This condition has a high incidence and mortality rate. The treatment approach for most patients with spinal metastasis is primarily palliative. Consultation with a multidisciplinary team is widely accepted as a comprehensive treatment approach for patients with spinal metastases. With advancements in research and technology, the evaluation and treatment of spinal metastatic cancer are continuously evolving. This study provides an overview of surgical treatment, minimally invasive treatment, and radiotherapy for spinal metastatic cancer and also analyzes the clinical effects, advantages, and current limitations associated with various treatment approaches.

Surgical Outcome and Prognosis of Patients with Spinal Metastasis from Esophageal Cancer: The Experience from a Single Center

BACKGROUND

The spine is one of the common sites of esophageal cancer metastasis, with a worse prognosis than that of metastasis occurring in other sites. However, the exact mechanism underlying metastatic spinal esophageal cancer (MSEC) is poorly understood possibly due to the short survival time of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes and factors affecting the prognosis of patients with MSEC.

METHODS

Enrolled in this retrospective study were 20 consecutive patients who received surgical treatment for MSEC in our hospital from 2013 to 2020. The impact of surgery on patient's quality of life was assessed by visual analog scale score and American Spinal Injury Association grade. Prognostic variables relative to traditional clinical parameters and inflammation and nutrition indicators were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The median survival time of patients with MSEC was 6 months, with a one-year survival rate of 20%. Pain relief was achieved in most patients, and nerve function was recovered in part of the patients after surgery. Analysis of clinical factors showed that total tumor resection was beneficial to overall survival of patients with MSEC. Laboratory indicators of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and platelet/lymphocyte ratio were identified as independent prognostic factors for patients with MSEC.

CONCLUSIONS

Timely surgical intervention can improve the quality of life of patients with MSEC. The preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and platelet/lymphocyte ratio could help predict the overall survival of patients with MSEC. These findings may help in decision-making for the treatment of patients with MSEC.

Establishing the Swiss Spinal Tumor Registry (Swiss-STR): a prospective observation of surgical treatment patterns and long-term outcomes in patients with primary and metastatic spinal tumors

Background

Tumors of the vertebral column consist of primary spinal tumors and malignancies metastasizing to the spine. Although primary spine tumors are rare, metastases to the spine have gradually increased over past decades because of aging populations and improved survival for various cancer subtypes achieved by advances in cancer therapy. Metastases to the vertebral column occur in up to 70% of cancer patients, with 10% of patients demonstrating epidural spinal cord compression. Therefore, many cancer patients may face spinal surgical intervention during their chronic illness; such interventions range from simple cement augmentation over decompression of neural elements to extended instrumentation or spinal reconstruction. However, precise surgical treatment guidelines do not exist, likely due to the lack of robust, long-term clinical outcomes data and the overall heterogeneous nature of spinal tumors. Objectives of launching the Swiss Spinal Tumor Registry (Swiss-STR) are to collect and analyze high-quality, prospective, observational data on treatment patterns, clinical outcomes, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult patients undergoing spinal tumor surgery. This narrative review discusses our rationale and process of establishing this spinal cancer registry.

Methods

A REDCap-based registry was created for the standardized collection of clinical, radiographic, surgical, histological, radio-oncologial and oncological variables, as well as patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Discussion

We propose that the Swiss-STR will inform on the effectiveness of current practices in spinal oncology and their impact on patient outcomes. Furthermore, the registry will enable better categorization of the various clinical presentations of spinal tumors, thereby facilitating treatment recommendations, defining the socio-economic burden on the healthcare system, and improving the quality of care. In cases of rare tumors, the multi-center data pooling will fill significant data gaps to yield better understanding of these entities. Finally, our two-step approach first implements a high-quality registry with efficient electronic data capture strategies across hospital sites in Switzerland, and second follows with potential to expand internationally, thus fostering future international scientific collaboration to further push the envelope in cancer research.

Accurate Differentiation of Spinal Tuberculosis and Spinal Metastases Using MR-Based Deep Learning Algorithms

Purpose

To explore the application of deep learning (DL) methods based on T2 sagittal MR images for discriminating between spinal tuberculosis (STB) and spinal metastases (SM).

Patients and Methods

A total of 121 patients with histologically confirmed STB and SM across four institutions were retrospectively analyzed. Data from two institutions were used for developing deep learning models and internal validation, while the remaining institutions' data were used for external testing. Utilizing MVITV2, EfficientNet-B3, ResNet101, and ResNet34 as backbone networks, we developed four distinct DL models and evaluated their diagnostic performance based on metrics such as accuracy (ACC), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), F1 score, and confusion matrix. Furthermore, the external test images were blindly evaluated by two spine surgeons with different levels of experience. We also used Gradient-Class Activation Maps to visualize the high-dimensional features of different DL models.

Results

For the internal validation set, MVITV2 outperformed other models with an accuracy of 98.7%, F1 score of 98.6%, and AUC of 0.98. Other models followed in this order: EfficientNet-B3 (ACC: 96.1%, F1 score: 95.9%, AUC: 0.99), ResNet101 (ACC: 85.5%, F1 score: 84.8%, AUC: 0.90), and ResNet34 (ACC: 81.6%, F1 score: 80.7%, AUC: 0.85). For the external test set, MVITV2 again performed excellently with an accuracy of 91.9%, F1 score of 91.5%, and an AUC of 0.95. EfficientNet-B3 came second (ACC: 85.9, F1 score: 91.5%, AUC: 0.91), followed by ResNet101 (ACC:80.8, F1 score: 80.0%, AUC: 0.87) and ResNet34 (ACC: 78.8, F1 score: 77.9%, AUC: 0.86). Additionally, the diagnostic accuracy of the less experienced spine surgeon was 73.7%, while that of the more experienced surgeon was 88.9%.

Conclusion

Deep learning based on T2WI sagittal images can help discriminate between STB and SM, and can achieve a level of diagnostic performance comparable with that produced by experienced spine surgeons.

Identification of Origin for Spinal Metastases from MR Images: Comparison Between Radiomics and Deep Learning Methods

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether spinal metastatic lesions originated from lung cancer or from other cancers based on spinal contrast-enhanced T1 (CET1) magnetic resonance (MR) images analyzed using radiomics (RAD) and deep learning (DL) methods.

METHODS

We recruited and retrospectively reviewed 173 patients diagnosed with spinal metastases at two different centers between July 2018 and June 2021. Of these, 68 involved lung cancer and 105 were other types of cancer. They were assigned to an internal cohort of 149 patients, randomly divided into a training set and a validation set, and to an external cohort of 24 patients. All patients underwent CET1-MR imaging before surgery or biopsy. We developed two predictive algorithms: a DL model and a RAD model. We compared performance between models, and against human radiological assessment, via accuracy (ACC) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation between RAD and DL features.

RESULTS

The DL model outperformed RAD model across the board, with ACC/ area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.93/0.94 (DL) versus 0.84/0.93 (RAD) when applied to the training set from the internal cohort, 0.74/0.76 versus 0.72/0.75 when applied to the validation set, and 0.72/0.76 versus 0.69/0.72 when applied to the external test cohort. For the validation set, it also outperformed expert radiological assessment (ACC: 0.65, AUC: 0.68). We only found weak correlations between DL and RAD features.

CONCLUSION

The DL algorithm successfully identified the origin of spinal metastases from pre-operative CET1-MR images, outperforming both RAD models and expert assessment by trained radiologists.

Overall Survival of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Spinal Metastasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The long-term survival data of lung cancer patients with spinal metastases are crucial for informed treatment decision-making. However, most studies in this field involve small sample sizes. Moreover, survival benchmarking and an analysis of changes in survival over time are required, but data are unavailable. To meet this need, we performed a metaanalysis of survival data from small studies to obtain a survival function based on largescale data.

METHODS

We performed a single-arm systematic review of survival function following a published protocol. Data of patients who received surgical, nonsurgical, and mixed modes of treatment were meta-analyzed separately. Survival data were extracted from published figures with a digitizer program and then processed in R. Median survival time was used as an effect size for moderator analysis to explain the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Sixty-two studies with 5,242 participants were included for pooling. The survival functions showed a median survival of 6.72 months for surgery (95% confidence interval [CI], 61.9-7.01; 2,367 participants; 36 studies), 5.99 months for nonsurgery (95% CI, 5.33-6.47; 891 participants; 12 studies), and 5.96 months for mixed (95% CI, 5.67-6.43; 1,984 participants; 18 studies). Patients enrolled since 2010 showed the highest survival rates.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first large-scale data for lung cancer with spinal metastasis that allows survival benchmarking. Data from patients enrolled since 2010 had the best survival and thus may more accurately reflect current survival. Researchers should focus on this subset in future benchmarking and remain optimistic in the management of these patients.

Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polyetheretherketone Spinal Implants for Treatment of Spinal Tumors: Perceived Advantages and Limitations

Purpose: Carbon-fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFRP)-based spinal implants are an alternative to titanium, offering less image artifact as their metallic counterparts while maintaining similar biomechanical and biocompatibility properties. Its use in the management of spinal tumors has been reported, however the perceived advantages related to improved imaging quality, radiation treatment planning, and detection of tumor recurrence have not been fully assessed.Methods: We performed a retrospective review of medical records amongst oncologic patients treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center with CFRP implants. Histology, tumor location, construct features, time of follow-up, adjuvant radiation, recurrences, overall survival, and hardware-related complications were recorded.Results: Sixty-nine consecutive patients were assessed (22 primary tumors, 47 metastases) and the median time for follow-up was 5.4 months. Amongst the cohort, a total of 491 CFRP pedicle screws were implanted. Hardware complications were observed in 5 cases (7.04%). Adjuvant radiation was completed in 8 patients with primary tumors and 29 patients with spinal metastases. A total of 28 patients (40.5%) from the combined primary and metastatic cohorts experienced systemic disease progression, with 12 patients (17.3%) demonstrating local recurrences. Amongst primary and metastatic tumors, overall survival (p = 0.363) and rate of local recurrence (p = 0.112) were similar.Conclusion: This largest series of CFRP implants demonstrates safe and effective spinal stabilization for patients with both primary and metastatic tumors. Enhanced postoperative imaging led to minimal imaging artifacts which facilitated postoperative radiation planning and the ability to detect local recurrence.

The efficacy of laser interstitial thermal therapy in the management of spinal metastases: a systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

In the last years, laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has started to be used also in neurosurgical setting. Its efficacy for intracranial pathologies, namely, tumors and epilepsy, has been widely demonstrated. However, the literature evidences about the use of LITT for spinal lesions are recent, and it is still a topic of discussion regarding its efficacy. Here, the authors sought to present a systematic review of the literature investigating the utility of LITT for spinal lesions.

METHODS

Using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, the authors performed a systematic review of the literature focused on the use of spinal laser interstitial thermal therapy (sLITT). Included in the search were randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and clinical series. Two independent reviewers conducted the study appraisal, data abstraction, and quality assessments of the studies.

RESULTS

Out of the initial 134 studies, 6 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, resulting in a total of 206 patients. All the patients have been treated with sLITT for compressive spinal metastases. Most of the lesions were thoracic (88.8%). All the studies reported an effective local control of the disease with a reduction of epidural compression at 30 days. Complication rate was 12.6%, but most of them were transient conditions, and only 3.4% patients needed a revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

sLITT is safe and provides effective local control for epidural compression from metastases, particularly in the thoracic spine. The authors propose considering sLITT as an alternative to open surgery in selected patients with spinal metastases.

The Evolution of Minimally Invasive Spine Tumor Resection and Stabilization: From K-Wires to Navigated One-Step Screws

Minimization of the surgical approaches to spinal extradural metastases resection and stabilization was advocated by the 2012 Oncological Guidelines for Spinal Metastases Management. Minimally invasive approaches to spine oncology surgery (MISS) are continually advancing. This paper will describe the evolution of minimally invasive surgical techniques for the resection of metastatic spinal lesions and stabilization in a single institute. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent minimally invasive extradural spinal metastases resection during the years 2013-2019 by a single surgeon was performed. Medical records, imaging studies, operative reports, rates of screw misplacement, operative time and estimated blood loss were reviewed. Detailed description of the surgical technique is provided. Of 138 patients operated for extradural spinal tumors during the study years, 19 patients were treated in a minimally invasive approach and met the inclusion criteria for this study. The mortality rate was significantly improved over the years with accordance of improve selection criteria to better prognosis patients. The surgical technique has evolved over the study years from fluoroscopy to intraoperative 3D imaging and navigation guidance and from k-wire screw insertion technique to one-step screws. Minimally invasive spinal tumor surgery is an evolving technique. The adoption of assistive devices such as intraoperative 3D imaging and one-step screw insertion systems was safe and efficient. Oncologic patients may particularly benefit from the minimization of surgical decompression and fusion in light of the frailty of this population and the mitigated postoperative outcomes associated with MIS oncological procedures.

Deep learning assessment compared to radiologist reporting for metastatic spinal cord compression on CT

Introduction

Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a disastrous complication of advanced malignancy. A deep learning (DL) algorithm for MSCC classification on CT could expedite timely diagnosis. In this study, we externally test a DL algorithm for MSCC classification on CT and compare with radiologist assessment.

Methods

Retrospective collection of CT and corresponding MRI from patients with suspected MSCC was conducted from September 2007 to September 2020. Exclusion criteria were scans with instrumentation, no intravenous contrast, motion artefacts and non-thoracic coverage. Internal CT dataset split was 84% for training/validation and 16% for testing. An external test set was also utilised. Internal training/validation sets were labelled by radiologists with spine imaging specialization (6 and 11-years post-board certification) and were used to further develop a DL algorithm for MSCC classification. The spine imaging specialist (11-years expertise) labelled the test sets (reference standard). For evaluation of DL algorithm performance, internal and external test data were independently reviewed by four radiologists: two spine specialists (Rad1 and Rad2, 7 and 5-years post-board certification, respectively) and two oncological imaging specialists (Rad3 and Rad4, 3 and 5-years post-board certification, respectively). DL model performance was also compared against the CT report issued by the radiologist in a real clinical setting. Inter-rater agreement (Gwet's kappa) and sensitivity/specificity/AUCs were calculated.

Results

Overall, 420 CT scans were evaluated (225 patients, mean age=60 ± 11.9[SD]); 354(84%) CTs for training/validation and 66(16%) CTs for internal testing. The DL algorithm showed high inter-rater agreement for three-class MSCC grading with kappas of 0.872 (p<0.001) and 0.844 (p<0.001) on internal and external testing, respectively. On internal testing DL algorithm inter-rater agreement (κ=0.872) was superior to Rad 2 (κ=0.795) and Rad 3 (κ=0.724) (both p<0.001). DL algorithm kappa of 0.844 on external testing was superior to Rad 3 (κ=0.721) (p<0.001). CT report classification of high-grade MSCC disease was poor with only slight inter-rater agreement (κ=0.027) and low sensitivity (44.0), relative to the DL algorithm with almost-perfect inter-rater agreement (κ=0.813) and high sensitivity (94.0) (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Deep learning algorithm for metastatic spinal cord compression on CT showed superior performance to the CT report issued by experienced radiologists and could aid earlier diagnosis.

Malignant Brain and Spinal Tumors Originating from Bone or Cartilage

Malignant bone tumors affecting the brain and spine are a rare and exceedingly difficult-to-treat group of diseases. Most commonly consisting of chordoma and chondrosarcoma, these tumors also include giant-cell tumors and osteosarcomas. This chapter will cover the background, epidemiology, genetics, molecular biology, histopathology, radiographic features, clinical manifestations, therapeutic approaches, and clinical management of each entity.

Clinical analysis of percutaneous kyphoplasty for spinal metastases in older adults with comorbidities

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for spinal metastases in older adult patients with comorbidities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-two older adults (age ≥ 60 years) with spinal metastases who underwent 148 PKP procedures were retrospectively analyzed. Tokuhashi scores, Tomita scores, age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (aCCI) scores, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores were evaluated before the procedure. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), vertebral body height (VBH), and quality of life (QoL) were used to assess the efficacy of the procedure. Clinical safety was evaluated based on periprocedural complications.

RESULTS

Tokuhashi scores and Tomita scores were 7.3 ± 4.0 and 5.8 ± 2.1, respectively. Excluding cancer-related factors, twelve patients (13.0%) had aCCI scores ≥4. Forty-three patients (46.7%) had ASA status ≥ III. Compared to preoperative status, average VAS scores, ODI scores, VBH variation, and QoL scores significantly improved at each follow-up examination point after PKP (p < 0.001). No major complications occurred, nor was there decompensation of comorbidities in the perioperative period. Seventeen segments (11.5%) of twelve patients (13.0%) suffered bone cement leakage. Among them, one patient suffered intercostal neuralgia cured by steroid injection, and the other patient suffered hyperesthesia, which disappeared after taking gabapentin (0.3 g, bid) for five weeks. Another minor complication of local hematoma occurred in one patient, which spontaneously resolved without surgical intervention.

DISCUSSION

PKP serves as a safe approach to provide significant pain relief, vertebral body height restoration, and QoL improvements for spinal metastases in older adults, independent of underlying disease.

Extended salvage surgery after high-dose chemoradiation therapy for tumors in the cervico-thoracic junction with invasion of the chest wall and the spine: a case series

The treatment of malignant tumors localized in the upper thoracic cavity and involving the spine at the cervico-thoracic junction (CTJ) is challenging. We report on three patients with malignant tumors invading the thoracic inlet and the spine at the CTJ. All three patients underwent radical tumor resection and 360° spine fusion following the posterior pedicle screw instrumentation and anterior vertebrectomy combined with implantation of an expandable titanium cage. Postoperatively, a mild paresis with hypesthesia of the ipsilateral arm occurred in one patient because of brachial plexus involvement. Two patients were still alive at last follow-up after 83 and 143 months, the third patient succumbed to tumor progression 13 months after extended salvage surgery. We display the possibilities of extended 'salvage' therapy in well-selected patients that were deemed hopeless regarding neurological function, biomechanical stability and tumor control after multiple courses of combined radio-chemotherapy.

Application and Development of Minimally Invasive Techniques in the Treatment of Spinal Metastases

With the improvement of medical technology, the quality of life and prognosis of patients with malignant tumors have been greatly improved, and surgical treatment strategies for patients with spinal metastatic tumors have received extensive attention. Traditional open surgery for spinal metastases has problems such as large trauma, slow recovery, and influence on subsequent systemic treatment. Minimally invasive spine surgery has similar clinical outcomes to traditional open surgery, but minimally invasive spine surgery is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. Minimally invasive spine surgery was initially applied to non-neoplastic diseases such as spinal degeneration and trauma, and was gradually applied to the treatment of spinal metastatic tumors and spinal deformities. For patients with spinal metastases, a shorter recovery time is helpful for early postoperative radiotherapy, thereby achieving a more satisfactory tumor control effect. This review discusses the application of minimally invasive spine surgery in the treatment of spinal metastatic tumors from the concept, surgical purpose, indications, and surgical selection, so as to provide reference for clinical practice.

COSTS ANALYSIS OF SPINAL COLUMN METASTASES SURGICAL TREATMENT

Introduction

End-of-life cancer treatment is associated with substantial healthcare costs.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the surgical treatment cost of spinal metastasis and epidural compression patients undergoing surgical treatment.

Methods

A retrospective cost analysis of 81 patients with spinal metastasis and epidural compression undergoing surgical treatment. Cost evaluation was defined in the following categories: medications, laboratory and imaging tests, nursery, recovery room, intensive care unit, surgical procedure, and consigned material. The cost of pain improvement, functional activity, and survival was also evaluated.

Results

The total cost of surgical treatment for 81 patients was $3,604,334.26, and the average value for each patient was $44,497.95. The highest costs were related to implants (41.1%), followed by hospitalization (27.3%) and surgical procedure (19.7%).

Conclusion

The cost of surgical treatment for spinal metastases is one of the most expensive bone complications in cancer patients. The cost of treatment related to outcomes showed differences according to the outcome analyzed. Hospital stay, tests, drugs, and intensive care play an important role in some of the costs related to the specific outcome. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Study .

A quantitative and comparative evaluation of stereotactic spine radiosurgery local control: proposing a consistent measurement methodology

OBJECTIVE

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a precise and conformal treatment modality used in the management of metastatic spine tumors. Multiple studies have demonstrated its safety and efficacy for pain and tumor control. However, no uniform quantitative imaging methodology exists to evaluate response to treatment in these patients. This study presents radiographic local control rates post-SBRT, systematically compares measurements acquired according to WHO and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria, and explores the relationship to patient outcome.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of prospectively obtained data from a cohort of 59 consecutive patients (81 metastatic isocenters) treated with SBRT and followed with serial MRI scans. Measurements were performed by a neuroradiologist blinded to the patients’ clinical course. Local control status was determined according to both WHO and RECIST measurements, and agreement between the measuring methodologies was calculated and reported.

RESULTS

Eighty-one isocenters (111 vertebral bodies) were treated with SBRT. The mean treatment dose was 13.96 Gy and the median follow-up duration was 10.8 months, during which 408 MRI scans were evaluated with both WHO and RECIST criteria for each scan point. Imaging demonstrated a mean unidimensional size decrease of 0.2 cm (p = 0.14) and a mean area size decrease of 0.99 cm2 (p = 0.03). Although 88% of the case classifications were concordant and the agreement was significant, WHO criteria were found to be more sensitive to tumor size change. The local control rates according to WHO and RECIST were 95% and 98%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although WHO volumetric measurements are admittedly superior for tumor size measurement, RECIST is simpler, reproducible, and for the first time is shown here to be comparable to WHO criteria. Thus, the application of RECIST methodology appears to be a suitable standard for evaluating post-SBRT treatment response. Moreover, using comprehensive and consistent measuring approaches, this study substantiates the efficacy of SBRT in the treatment of spine metastases.

Oncologic emergencies and urgencies: A comprehensive review

Patients with advanced cancer generate 4 million visits annually to emergency departments (EDs) and other dedicated, high-acuity oncology urgent care centers. Because of both the increasing complexity of systemic treatments overall and the higher rates of active therapy in the geriatric population, many patients experiencing acute decompensations are frail and acutely ill. This article comprehensively reviews the spectrum of oncologic emergencies and urgencies typically encountered in acute care settings. Presentation, underlying etiology, and up-to-date clinical pathways are discussed. Criteria for either a safe discharge to home or a transition of care to the inpatient oncology hospitalist team are emphasized. This review extends beyond familiar conditions such as febrile neutropenia, hypercalcemia, tumor lysis syndrome, malignant spinal cord compression, mechanical bowel obstruction, and breakthrough pain crises to include a broader spectrum of topics encompassing the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, venous thromboembolism and malignant effusions, as well as chemotherapy-induced mucositis, cardiomyopathy, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Emergent and urgent complications associated with targeted therapeutics, including small molecules, naked and drug-conjugated monoclonal antibodies, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, are summarized. Finally, strategies for facilitating same-day direct admission to hospice from the ED are discussed. This article not only can serve as a point-of-care reference for the ED physician but also can assist outpatient oncologists as well as inpatient hospitalists in coordinating care around the ED visit.

The role of radiation therapy in the treatment of spine metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Spine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastases severely worsen quality of life and prognosis, with the role of radiotherapy being controversial. The authors systematically reviewed the literature on radiotherapy for spine metastatic HCCs.

METHODS

The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched according to the PRISMA guidelines to include studies of radiotherapy for spine metastatic HCCs. Outcomes, complications, and local control were analyzed with indirect random-effect meta-analyses.

RESULTS

The authors included 12 studies comprising 713 patients. The median time interval from diagnosis of HCC to spine metastases was 12 months (range 0–105 months). Most lesions were thoracic (35.9%) or lumbar (24.7%). Radiotherapy was delivered with conventional external-beam (67.3%) or stereotactic (31.7%) techniques. The median dose was 30.3 Gy (range 12.5–52 Gy) in a median of 5 fractions (range 1–20 fractions). The median biologically effective dose was 44.8 Gy10 (range 14.4–112.5 Gy10). Actuarial rates of postradiotherapy pain relief and radiological response were 87% (95% CI 84%–90%) and 70% (95% CI 65%–75%), respectively. Radiation-related adverse events and vertebral fractures had actuarial rates of 8% (95% CI 5%–11%) and 16% (95% CI 10%–23%), respectively, with fracture rates significantly higher after stereotactic radiotherapy (p = 0.033). Fifty-eight patients (27.6%) had local recurrences after a median of 6.8 months (range 0.1–59 months), with pooled local control rates of 61.6% at 6 months and 40.8% at 12 months, and there were no significant differences based on radiotherapy type (p = 0.068). The median survival was 6 months (range 0.1–62 months), with pooled rates of 52.5% at 6 months and 23.4% at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiotherapy in spine metastatic HCCs shows favorable rates of pain relief, radiological responses, and local control. Rates of postradiotherapy vertebral fractures are higher after high-dose stereotactic radiotherapy.

Independent predictors of vertebral compression fracture following radiation for metastatic spine disease

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine independent risk factors for vertebral compression fracture (VCF) following radiation for metastatic spine disease, including low bone mineral density as estimated by Hounsfield units (HU).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified patients with a single vertebral column metastasis treated with radiation therapy, a pretreatment CT scan, and a follow-up CT scan at least 6 weeks after treatment. Patients with primary spine tumors, preradiation vertebroplasty, preradiation spine surgery, prior radiation to the treatment field, and proton beam treatment modality were excluded. The HU were measured in the vertebral bodies at the level superior to the metastasis, within the tumor and medullary bone of the metastatic level, and at the level inferior to the metastasis. Variables collected included basic demographics, Spine Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), presenting symptoms, bone density treatment, primary tumor pathology, Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini (WBB) classification, Enneking stage, radiation treatment details, chemotherapy regimen, and prophylactic vertebroplasty.

RESULTS

One hundred patients with an average age of 63 years and average follow-up of 18 months with radiation treatment dates ranging from 2017 to 2020 were included. Fifty-nine patients were treated with external-beam radiation therapy, with a median total dose of 20 Gy (range 8-40 Gy). Forty-one patients were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy, with a median total dose of 24 Gy (range 18-39 Gy). The most common primary pathologies included lung (n = 22), prostate (n = 21), and breast (n = 14). Multivariable logistic regression analysis (area under the curve 0.89) demonstrated pretreatment HU (p < 0.01), SINS (p = 0.02), involvement of ≥ 3 WBB sectors (p < 0.01), primary pathology other than prostate (p = 0.04), and ongoing chemotherapy treatment (p = 0.04) to be independent predictors of postradiation VCF. Patients with pretreatment HU < 145 (n = 32), 145-220 (n = 31), and > 220 (n = 37) had a fracture rate of 59%, 39%, and 11%, respectively. An HU cutoff of 157 was found to maximize sensitivity (71%) and specificity (75%) in predicting postradiation VCF.

CONCLUSIONS

Low preradiation HU, higher SINS, involvement of ≥ 3 WBB sectors, ongoing chemotherapy, and nonprostate primary pathology were independent predictors of postradiation VCF in patients with metastatic spine disease. Low bone mineral density, as estimated by HU, is a novel and potentially modifiable risk factor for VCF.

Navigation accuracy and assessability of carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK instrumentation with multimodal intraoperative imaging in spinal oncology

Radiolucent carbon-fiber reinforced PEEK (CFRP) implants have helped improve oncological follow-up and radiation therapy. Here, we investigated the performance of 3D intraoperative imaging and navigation systems for instrumentation and precision assessment of CFRP pedicle screws across the thoraco-lumbar spine. Thirty-three patients with spinal tumors underwent navigated CFRP instrumentation with intraoperative CT (iCT), robotic cone-beam CT (rCBCT) or cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging. Two different navigation systems were used for iCT-/rCBCT- and CBCT-based navigation. Demographic, clinical and outcome data was assessed. Four blinded observers rated image quality, assessability and accuracy of CFRP pedicle screws. Inter-observer reliability was determined with Fleiss` Kappa analysis. Between 2018 and 2021, 243 CFRP screws were implanted (iCT:93, rCBCT: 99, CBCT: 51), of which 13 were non-assessable (iCT: 1, rCBCT: 9, CBCT: 3; *p = 0.0475; iCT vs. rCBCT). Navigation accuracy was highest using iCT (74%), followed by rCBCT (69%) and CBCT (49%) (*p = 0.0064; iCT vs. CBCT and rCBCT vs. CBCT). All observers rated iCT image quality higher than rCBCT/CBCT image quality (*p < 0.01) but relevant pedicle breaches were reliably identified with substantial agreement between all observers regardless of the imaging modality. Navigation accuracy for CFRP pedicle screws was considerably lower than expected from reports on titanium implants and CT may be best for reliable assessment of CFRP materials.

Diagnostic Accuracy of CT for Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression

Background: Early diagnosis of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is vital to expedite therapy and prevent paralysis. Staging CT is performed routinely in cancer patients and presents an opportunity for earlier diagnosis. Methods: This retrospective study included 123 CT scans from 101 patients who underwent spine MRI within 30 days, excluding 549 CT scans from 216 patients due to CT performed post-MRI, non-contrast CT, or a gap greater than 30 days between modalities. Reference standard MESCC gradings on CT were provided in consensus via two spine radiologists (11 and 7 years of experience) analyzing the MRI scans. CT scans were labeled using the original reports and by three radiologists (3, 13, and 14 years of experience) using dedicated CT windowing. Results: For normal/none versus low/high-grade MESCC per CT scan, all radiologists demonstrated almost perfect agreement with kappa values ranging from 0.866 (95% CI 0.787–0.945) to 0.947 (95% CI 0.899–0.995), compared to slight agreement for the reports (kappa = 0.095, 95%CI −0.098–0.287). Radiologists also showed high sensitivities ranging from 91.51 (95% CI 84.49–96.04) to 98.11 (95% CI 93.35–99.77), compared to 44.34 (95% CI 34.69–54.31) for the reports. Conclusion: Dedicated radiologist review for MESCC on CT showed high interobserver agreement and sensitivity compared to the current standard of care.

Holistic Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Tumor Metastases to the Spine

The treatment of neoplastic spine metastases requires multi-faceted assessment and an interdisciplinary approach to patients. The metastases do not show specific symptoms but are often the first confirmation of the presence of a primary tumor in a patient. The diagnostic process includes imaging and invasive procedures, e.g., biopsy. It is essential to qualify the patient for an appropriate treatment using dedicated scales. Decompression of the spinal cord is a critical issue to save or restore neurological function in a patient with spine metastases. Surgical treatment ought to meet three criteria: release spinal cord and nerve roots, restore the spine’s anatomical relations, and ensure the internal stabilization of the spine. A good result from surgical treatment enables the continuation of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted molecular therapy. Stereotactic radiosurgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy are more effective ways of treating spine metastases than conventional external beam radiotherapy. They allow higher doses of radiation, concentrated precisely at the tumor site. Our review summarizes the established and emerging concepts in the treatment of spine metastases. A holistic approach to the patient enables the selection of the appropriate therapy.

State-of-the-Art Imaging Techniques in Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression (MSCC) is a debilitating complication in oncology patients. This narrative review discusses the strengths and limitations of various imaging modalities in diagnosing MSCC, the role of imaging in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for MSCC treatment, and recent advances in deep learning (DL) tools for MSCC diagnosis. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using targeted keywords. Studies were reviewed in consensus among the co-authors for their suitability before inclusion. MRI is the gold standard of imaging to diagnose MSCC with reported sensitivity and specificity of 93% and 97% respectively. CT Myelogram appears to have comparable sensitivity and specificity to contrast-enhanced MRI. Conventional CT has a lower diagnostic accuracy than MRI in MSCC diagnosis, but is helpful in emergent situations with limited access to MRI. Metal artifact reduction techniques for MRI and CT are continually being researched for patients with spinal implants. Imaging is crucial for SBRT treatment planning and three-dimensional positional verification of the treatment isocentre prior to SBRT delivery. Structural and functional MRI may be helpful in post-treatment surveillance. DL tools may improve detection of vertebral metastasis and reduce time to MSCC diagnosis. This enables earlier institution of definitive therapy for better outcomes.

Treatment of Metastatic Spinal Disease; what the Radiologist needs to know

Advancements in technology and multidisciplinary management have revolutionized the treatment of spinal metastases. Imaging plays a pivotal role in determining the treatment course for spinal metastases. This article aims to review the relevant imaging findings in spinal metastases from the perspective of the treating clinician, describe the various treatment options, and discuss factors influencing choice for each available treatment option. Cases that once required radical surgical resection or low-dose conventional external beam radiation therapy, or both, are now being managed with separation surgery, spine stereotactic radiosurgery/stereotactic body radiation therapy, or both, with decreased morbidity, improved local control, and more durable pain control. The primary focus in determining treatment choice is now on tumor control outcomes, treatment-related morbidity, and quality of life.

Deep Learning Model for Grading Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression on Staging CT

Background: Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a disastrous complication of advanced malignancy. Deep learning (DL) models for automatic MESCC classification on staging CT were developed to aid earlier diagnosis. Methods: This retrospective study included 444 CT staging studies from 185 patients with suspected MESCC who underwent MRI spine studies within 60 days of the CT studies. The DL model training/validation dataset consisted of 316/358 (88%) and the test set of 42/358 (12%) CT studies. Training/validation and test datasets were labeled in consensus by two subspecialized radiologists (6 and 11-years-experience) using the MRI studies as the reference standard. Test sets were labeled by the developed DL models and four radiologists (2−7 years of experience) for comparison. Results: DL models showed almost-perfect interobserver agreement for classification of CT spine images into normal, low, and high-grade MESCC, with kappas ranging from 0.873−0.911 (p < 0.001). The DL models (lowest κ = 0.873, 95% CI 0.858−0.887) also showed superior interobserver agreement compared to two of the four radiologists for three-class classification, including a specialist (κ = 0.820, 95% CI 0.803−0.837) and general radiologist (κ = 0.726, 95% CI 0.706−0.747), both p < 0.001. Conclusion: DL models for the MESCC classification on a CT showed comparable to superior interobserver agreement to radiologists and could be used to aid earlier diagnosis.

Deep Learning Model for Classifying Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression on MRI

Background

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a devastating complication of advanced cancer. A deep learning (DL) model for automated MESCC classification on MRI could aid earlier diagnosis and referral.

Purpose

To develop a DL model for automated classification of MESCC on MRI.

Materials and Methods

Patients with known MESCC diagnosed on MRI between September 2007 and September 2017 were eligible. MRI studies with instrumentation, suboptimal image quality, and non-thoracic regions were excluded. Axial T2-weighted images were utilized. The internal dataset split was 82% and 18% for training/validation and test sets, respectively. External testing was also performed. Internal training/validation data were labeled using the Bilsky MESCC classification by a musculoskeletal radiologist (10-year experience) and a neuroradiologist (5-year experience). These labels were used to train a DL model utilizing a prototypical convolutional neural network. Internal and external test sets were labeled by the musculoskeletal radiologist as the reference standard. For assessment of DL model performance and interobserver variability, test sets were labeled independently by the neuroradiologist (5-year experience), a spine surgeon (5-year experience), and a radiation oncologist (11-year experience). Inter-rater agreement (Gwet’s kappa) and sensitivity/specificity were calculated.

Results

Overall, 215 MRI spine studies were analyzed [164 patients, mean age = 62 ± 12(SD)] with 177 (82%) for training/validation and 38 (18%) for internal testing. For internal testing, the DL model and specialists all showed almost perfect agreement (kappas = 0.92–0.98, p < 0.001) for dichotomous Bilsky classification (low versus high grade) compared to the reference standard. Similar performance was seen for external testing on a set of 32 MRI spines with the DL model and specialists all showing almost perfect agreement (kappas = 0.94–0.95, p < 0.001) compared to the reference standard.

Conclusion

A DL model showed comparable agreement to a subspecialist radiologist and clinical specialists for the classification of malignant epidural spinal cord compression and could optimize earlier diagnosis and surgical referral.

Utility of expanded anterior column resection versus decompression-alone for local control in the management of carcinomatous vertebral column metastases undergoing adjuvant stereotactic radiotherapy

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

With improvements in adjuvant radiotherapy and minimally invasive surgical techniques, separation surgery has become the default surgical intervention for spine metastases at many centers. However, it is unclear if there is clinical benefit from anterior column resection in addition to simple epidural debulking prior to stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of anterior column debulking versus epidural disease resection alone in the local control of metastases to the bony spine.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Ninety-seven patients who underwent open surgery followed by SBRT for spinal metastases at a single comprehensive cancer center.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Local tumor recurrence following surgery and SBRT.

METHODS

Data were collected regarding radiation dose, cancer histology, extent of anterior column resection, and recurrence. Tumor involvement was categorized using the International Spine Radiosurgery Consortium guidelines. Univariable analyses were conducted to determine predictors of local recurrence and time to local recurrence.

RESULTS

Among the 97 included patients, mean age was 60.5±11.4 years and 51% of patients were male. The most common primary tumor types were lung (20.6%), breast (17.5%), kidney (13.4%) and prostate (12.4%). Recurrence was seen in 17 patients (17.5%) and local control rates were: 85.5% (1-year), 81.1% (2-year), and 54.9% (5-year). Overall predictors of local recurrence were tumor pathology (p<.01; renal cell carcinoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma associated with poorest PFS) and undergoing anterior column debulking versus epidural decompression-alone (p=.03). Only tumor pathology predicted time to local recurrence (p<.01), though inspection of Kaplan-Meier functions showed superior long-term local control in patients with radiosensitive tumor pathologies, no previous irradiation of the metastasis, and who underwent anterior column resection versus epidural removal alone. Median time to recurrence was 288 days with 100% of lesions showing anterior column recurrence and recurrence in the epidural space.

CONCLUSIONS

With the increasing shift towards surgery as a neoadjuvant to radiotherapy for patients with spinal column metastases, the role for surgical debulking has become less clear. In the present study, we find that anterior column debulking as opposed to epidural debulking-alone decreases the odds of local recurrence and improves long-term local control.

Surgery in Acute Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression: Timing and Functional Outcome

Simple Summary

Spinal metastases affect an exceptionally high number of cancer patients and thereby represent a common challenge for healthcare providers. Patients may suffer from debilitating symptoms, including excruciating back pain, immobility and even neurological dysfunction. An exceptionally acute clinical presentation is caused by the compression of the spinal cord through growth of a spinal metastasis within the spinal canal, which may leave the patient with acute spinal cord injury in need of rapid surgical treatment. In clinical practice and science, no true timeframe has yet been defined within which these patients need to undergo surgery, although it is generally understood that their recovery and functional rehabilitation correlate with the time to surgery after symptom onset. In our study, we analyzed a surgically treated cohort of patients with acute spinal cord injury by metastatic compression to investigate the correlation of the timing of surgery with neurological recovery. We were able to identify a subgroup of patients with significantly improved recovery, in whom surgery was initiated within 16 h after admission. Complication rates were not significantly more frequent in this subgroup compared to patients operated on after 16 h. Based on these findings, we conclude that striving for surgery as early as feasible is a warranted strategy in patients with acute neurological deterioration due to metastatic spinal cord compression.

Abstract

Background: Patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) may experience long-term functional impairment. It has been established that surgical decompression improves neurological outcomes, but the effect of early surgery remains uncertain. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of early versus late surgery for acute MSCC due to spinal metastases (SM). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive cohort of all patients undergoing surgery for SMs at our institution. We determined the prevalence of acute MSCC; the time between acute neurological deterioration as well as between admission and surgery (standard procedure: decompression and instrumentation); and neurological impairment graded by the ASIA scale upon presentation and discharge. Results: We screened 693 patients with surgery for spinal metastasis; 140 patients (21.7%) had acute MSCC, defined as neurological impairment corresponding to ASIA grade D or lower, acquired within 72 h before admission. Non-MSCC patients had surgery for SM-related cauda equina syndrome, radiculopathy and/or spinal instability. Most common locations of the SM in acute MSCC were the thoracic (77.9%) and cervical (10.7%) spine. Per standard of care, acute MSCC patients underwent surgery including decompression and instrumentation, and the median time from admission to surgery was 16 h (interquartile range 10–22 h). Within the group of patients with acute MSCC, those who underwent early surgery (i.e., before the median 16 h) had a significantly higher rate of ASIA improvement by at least one grade at discharge (26.5%) compared to those who had late surgery after 16 h (10.1%; p = 0.024). Except for a significantly higher sepsis rate in the late surgery group, complication rates did not differ between the late and early surgery subgroups. Conclusions: We report data on the largest cohort of patients with MSCC to date. Early surgery is pivotal in acute MSCC, substantially increasing the chance for neurological improvement without increasing complication rates. We found no significant impact when surgery was performed later than 24 h after admission. These findings will provide the framework for a much-needed prospective study. Until then, the treatment strategy should entail the earliest possible surgical intervention.

Spinal metastasis: narrative reviews of the current evidence and treatment modalities

The treatment for spinal metastasis has evolved significantly during the past decade. An advancement in systemic therapy has led to a prolonged overall survival in cancer patients, thus increasing the incidence of spinal metastasis. In addition, with the improved treatment armamentarium, the prediction of patient survival using traditional prognostic models may have limitations and these require the incorporation of some novel parameters to improve their prognostic accuracy. The development of minimally-invasive spinal procedures and minimal access surgical techniques have facilitated a quicker patient recovery and return to systemic treatment. These modern interventions help to alleviate pain and improve quality of life, even in candidates with a relatively short life expectancy. Radiotherapy may be considered in non-surgical candidates or as adjuvant therapy for improving local tumour control. Stereotactic radiosurgery has facilitated this even in radioresistant tumours and may even replace surgery in radiosensitive malignancies. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence leading to the paradigm shifts in the modern treatment of spinal metastasis.

The combination of radiofrequency ablation and vertebroplasty shows advantages over single vertebroplasty in treating vertebral neoplastic lesions

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of the combination of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and vertebroplasty versus single vertebroplasty in treating spinal metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data of 35 patients with vertebral neoplastic lesions who received RFA combined with vertebroplasty (group A, 15 patients with 17 lesions) or single vertebroplasty (group B, 20 patients with 24 lesions) from March 2016 to June 2019 were retrospectively compared. The data of patients' Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores prior to the treatments, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the treatments, injected cement volume, ratios of cement leakage were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

All procedures were successfully done without severe complications. The VAS scores in group A were decreased more rapidly 1 week after the treatments and remained more stable at 6 months than that in group B (P < 0.05). The cement injected in group A (5.95 ± 1.45 mL, range 4-9.5 mL) was significantly more than that in group B (4.09 ± 0.55 mL, range 3.1-5.5 mL) (P < 0.05). The ratio of vascular cement leakage in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (P < 0.05), while no statistical difference was found in the non-vascular cement leakage (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that the combination of RFA and vertebroplasty has a better analgesic effect with more injected cement and lower rates of venous cement leakage than single vertebroplasty.