Biomechanical characteristics of thoracic T10 bone tumor metastasis at different locations:three-dimensional finite element analysis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:With the innovation of examination technique,the number of patients with spinal metastases in different stages is increasing year by year.Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an important treatment for spinal metastases;however,there is no report on the biomechanical effect in different stages and different activities after operation. OBJECTIVE:To simulate thoracic T10 bone stress and displacement of the different locations of the tumor metastasis based on the three-dimensional finite element model. METHODS:According to thoracic three-dimensional CT images of a 30-year-old healthy male,Mimics software was used to construct a three-dimensional geometric model of thoracic vertebrae(T9-T11),including ribs,ligaments and intervertebral discs.Three-dimensional models of T9-T11 vertebral bodies and different parts of the posterior thoracic vertebrae invaded by thoracic metastatic tumors were simulated,including the control group with intact vertebral structure,unilateral metastasis involving the vertebral body area(experimental group 1),unilateral metastasis involving the vertebral body and pedicle area(experimental group 2),unilateral metastasis involving the vertebral body,pedicle and transverse process area(experimental group 3),and bilateral metastasis involving the vertebral body,pedicle and transverse process area(experimental group 4).Abaqus software was used to create a three-dimensional finite element model.The von Mises stress distribution and the displacement of the model were analyzed under the loading condition,buckling condition,extension condition,and rotation condition. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the study of the maximum total displacement of loading points in different experimental groups under loading,flexion,extension,and rotation conditions,with the increase of metastatic tumor invasion site and invasion surface,the total displacement of loading points increased,and the overall stiffness decreased,especially the total displacement of loading points in experimental group 4 was the largest.(2)Under flexion condition,the maximum Von Mises stress value increased significantly after vertebral body and pedicle destruction,while the maximum Von Mises stress value was almost unchanged when the thoracocostal joint destruction was added.(3)On the basis of finite element analysis and simulation of bone tumor model,the elements in the bone cement region were set as a single set,and the bone cement region was set as the corresponding material properties to simulate bone cement filling.The results showed that the maximum total displacement under loading,flexion,extension,and rotation conditions was less than that of each experimental group.(4)The maximum stress values of the simulated percutaneous vertebroplasty patients in the loading,flexion,extension and rotation conditions were significantly lower than those of the femoral model.(5)It is concluded that the three-dimensional finite element model based on thoracic T9-T11 conducive to the biomechanics characteristics of thoracic vertebrae tumor metastasis,and on the basis of the thoracic vertebrae tumor metastasis model can accurately simulate load point after percutaneous vertebral body under different conditions of total displacement and the maximum Von Mises stress situation.

Spinal metastases combined with leptomeningeal metastasis: A case report / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Spinal metastases (SM) is the commonest form of solid tumors osseous metastasis, for which surgical dissection is often performed when combined with spinal cord compression. Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM) results from dissemination of cancer cells to both the leptomeninges (pia and arachnoid) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compartment. The spread of LM may occur via multiple routes, such as hematogenous, direct infiltration from metastatic brain lesions, or via iatrogenic seeding of CSF. Signs and symptoms associated with LM are generalized and various while early diagnosis of LM is challenging. Cytological evaluation of the CSF and gadolinium enhanced MRI brain and spine is the gold standard for diagnosing LM and CSF can help assess treatment response. While a number of other potential CSF biomarkers have been investigated both for the diagnosis as well as monitoring of LM, none have been established as a component of the standard evaluation of all LM or suspected LM patients. Management goals of LM include improving patient's neurologic function, quality of life, preventing further neurologic deterioration and prolonging survival. In many cases, it may be reasonable to pursue a palliative and comfort focused course, even from the initial LM diagnosis. Surgery is not recommended considering the risk of seeding with cerebrospinal fluid. A diagnosis of LM carries a poor prognosis with an estimated median survival of only 2-4 months despite therapy. Spinal metastases combined with leptomeningeal metastasis (SM+LM) is not uncommon and its treatment is similar to LM. LM can appear at the same time as SM or directly invaded by SM, which is thought regarding the pathophysiology of LM remains speculative and not systematically studied. The present article reports a 58-year-old woman who was first diagnosed with SM, but worsened after surgery repeated MRI examinations confirmed coexisting LM. Relevant literature was reviewed to summarize the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of SM+LM, so as to improve the understanding of the disease and promote early diagnosis. It should be vigilant to merge LM for the patient with SM when atypical clinical manifestations, rapid disease progression or inconsistent with imaging occurred. Repeated examinations of cerebrospinal fluid cytology and enhanced MRI should be considered when SM+LM is suspected to achieve timely adjustment of diagnosis and treatment strategy for better prognosis.

Progress of decompression surgery for spinal metastases / 中国骨伤

The spine is the most common site of bone metastases from malignant tumors, with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression occurring in about 10% of patients with spinal metastases. Palliative radiotherapy and simple laminectomy and decompression have been the main treatments for metastatic spinal cord compression. The former is ineffective and delayed for radiation-insensitive tumors, and the latter often impairs spinal stability. With the continuous improvement of surgical techniques and instrumentation in recent years, the treatment model of spinal metastases has changed a lot. Decompression surgery underwent open decompression, separation surgery, minimally invasive surgery and laser interintermal thermal ablation decompression. However, no matter what kind of surgical plan is adopted, it should be assessed precisely according to the specific situation of the patient to minimize the risk of surgery as far as possible to ensure the smooth follow-up radiotherapy. This paper reviews the research progress of decompression for spinal metastases.

Research progress in separation surgery combined with stereotactic radiotherapy of spinal metastases / 中国骨伤

With the continuous improvement of cancer treatment, the survival of patients with spinal metastases has been significantly prolonged. Currently, the treatment of spinal metastases presents a trend of multi-mode. Clinical surgical methods include vertebral tumor resecting spinal canal decompression and internal fixation surgery, separation surgery, minimally invasive surgery and percutaneous ablation technology, etc. Radiotherapy techniques include traditional external radiation therapy, stereotactic radiotherapy and brachytherapy, etc. The risk of vertebral tumor resecting spinal canal decompression and internal fixation surgery, and the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications is high. The extension of postoperative recovery period may lead to delay of follow-up radiotherapy and other medical treatment, which has a serious impact on patients' survival and treatment confidence. However, the precision of traditional external radiation therapy is not high, and the limitation of tolerance of spinal cord makes it difficult to achieve the goal of controlling insensitive tumor. With the development of radiotherapy and surgical technology, stereotactic radiotherapy with higher accuracy and separation surgery with smaller surgical strike have become the focus of many clinical experts at present. This article reviews the progress of Hybrid treatment of separation surgery combined with stereotactic radiotherapy.

Vertebral metastasis of renal carcinoma at diagnosis: mechanical and clinical evaluation: surgical management / Metástasis vertebral de carcinoma renal en el momento del diagnóstico: evaluación mecánica y clínica: manejo quirúrgico

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2-3% of all malignant neoplasms. Metastatic disease of the spine is common and 50% of bone metastases are already present at the time of primary diagnosis. Bone metastases from renal cell carcinoma are difficult to manage, especially vertebral localization.A 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in the context of low back pain. The patient presented two skeleton metastases at diagnosis (T11 and 5th rib). The patient received neoadjuvant treatment with cabozantinib, followed by removal of the renal tumor. Radiotherapy was administered for the lumbar lesion. In spite of the radiotherapy treatment, increased low back pain limiting mobility and ambulation. MRI showed an occupation of the spinal canal, without neurological lesion. The SINS scale revealed a score of 14 (vertebral instability). The patient's prognosis was greater than 12 months according to the Tokuhashi score. Based on clinical and mechanical criteria, surgical treatment of the vertebral lesion was decided. T11 vertebrectomy was performed, the reconstruction was made with an expandable cage, and T8 a L2 posterior spinal arthrodesis. A partial resection of the fifth rib was performed in order to remove the whole macroscopic tumor. After 3 months, she was diagnosed with a local infection, treated by irrigation, debridement and antibiotherapy, with good evolution. At 1-year follow-up, she has no low back pain or functional limitation. Follow-up chest-abdomen-pelvis computed CT scan showed absence of disease progression, furthermore, the vertebral arthrodesis shows fusion signs. At the time of this report, there are no clinical or radiological data of infection

El carcinoma de células renales representa el 2-3% de todas las neoplasias malignas. La enfermedad metastásica de la columna vertebral es frecuente y el 50% de las metástasis óseas ya están presentes en el momento del diagnóstico. Las metástasis óseas del carcinoma de células renales son difíciles de manejar, especialmente en localización vertebral.Una mujer de 48 años fue diagnosticada de carcinoma de células renales en el contexto de un dolor lumbar. La paciente presentaba dos metástasis óseas en el momento del diagnóstico (T11 y 5ª costilla). Inicialmente recibió tratamiento neoadyuvante con cabozantinib, seguido de la extirpación quirúrgica del tumor renal. Se administró radioterapia para la lesión lumbar. A pesar del tratamiento radioterápico, aumentó el dolor lumbar con limitación para la movilidad y la deambulación. La RM mostró una ocupación del canal espinal, sin lesión neurológica. La escala SINS reveló una puntuación de 14 (inestabilidad vertebral). El pronóstico de la paciente era superior a 12 meses según la puntuación de Tokuhashi. Basándose en criterios clínicos y mecánicos, se decidió el tratamiento quirúrgico de la lesión vertebral. Se realizó una vertebrectomía de T11, para la reconstrucción se usó una caja extensible, junto con una artrodesis vertebral T8-L2. Se realizó una resección parcial de la quinta costilla para eliminar todo el tumor macroscópico. A los 3 meses de la cirugía la paciente fue diagnosticada de infección local, tratada mediante irrigación, desbridamiento y antibioterapia, con buena evolución. Al año de seguimiento, no presenta dolor lumbar ni limitación funcional. La tomografía computarizada de tórax-abdomen-pelvis de seguimiento mostró ausencia de progresión de la enfermedad, además, la artrodesis vertebral muestra signos de fusión. En el momento de este informe, no hay datos clínicos ni radiológicos de infección.

Manejo actual de las metástasis vertebrales: un trabajo en equipo / Current management of vertebral metastases: teamwork

La enfermedad metastásica vertebral es frecuente en los pacientes con cáncer avanzado, y conlleva a complicaciones inherentes a su progresión, como lo son la fractura patológica vertebral y la compresión neural metastásica. Se realizó una revisión de los aspectos terapéuticos actuales del manejo de la progresión y de las complicaciones de la enfermedad metastásica vertebral, enfatizando su enfrentamiento sistémico y personalizado. Nuestro objetivo principal es proporcionar información sobre el tratamiento actual de esta afección y la utilidad del manejo sistémico y multidisciplinario.

Metastatic spinal disease is common in patients with advanced cancer, and leads to complications inherent in its progression, such as pathological vertebral fracture and metastatic neural compression. A review of the current therapeutic aspects regarding the progression and complications of metastatic spinal disease was performed, highlighting its systemic, personalized approach. Our aim is to provide information about the current treatment of this condition and the usefulness of its systemic and multidisciplinary management.

Outcome following cervicothoracic junction fusion in T1 pathological fracture of breast cancer spinal metastases: a case report

The cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) is defined as the area extending from vertebral segment C7 to T2. Spinal metastases of CTJ are rare, range from 10% to less than 20%. A 47-year-old woman complained sensory and motor disturbance since 3 weeks prior to admission. History of lump on the left breast was confirmed. Neurological deficit was confirmed as ASIA C at the time of diagnosis. MRI finding suggest fracture of T1 vertebral body with kypothic angle 28° that causing anterior compression of spinal cord. The patient underwent decompression and posterior fusion from C4 to T4. A biopsy sample was also collected from the spine and left breast to confirm the diagnosis. Patient evaluation was done during discharge and at certain points of follow-up for improvement on its neurological, pain, and functional status. An MRI evaluation was performed to evaluate spinal stability and fusion. Significant improvements were observed in patient ambulatory and pain status. Cervicothoracic junction fusion procedure is a considerable choice for the management of pathological vertebral fractures with cervicothoracic junction involvement caused by spinal metastases of breast cancer.

Vesselplasty for the treatment of spinal metastases complicated by posterior wall destruction of vertebral body / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the early clinical efficacy and safety of vesselplasty for the treatment of spinal metastases complicated by posterior wall destruction of vertebral body.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 19 patients(21 segments) with spinal metastases complicated by posterior wall destruction of vertebral body treated from January 2016 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 males and 4 females, aged 40 to 85 years old with a mean of (66.00±10.25) years . All patients had severe low back pain before the operation, which were diagnosed by CT as damage-type metastatic tumor of the vertebral posterior wall. All patients were treated by vesselplasty technique. Nineteen vertebrae received percutaneous unilateral pedicle puncture and two vertebrae received percutaneous bilateral pedicle puncture. VAS, ODI were recorded before operation, 1 d and 3 d after operation respectively. X-ray and CT scan were used to observe bone cement leakage and complications.@*RESULTS@#All the operations were successful and postoperative pain was significantly relieved. Postoperative VAS score and ODI of the two groups were significantly improved (<0.05). A small amount of bone cement leakage occurred in one vertebral body, which was a vertebral venous plexus leakage, but no clinical symptoms after operation.@*CONCLUSION@#Vesselplasty for the treatment of spinal metastases complicated by posterior wall destruction of vertebral body can significantly reduce the symptoms of thoracolumbar back pain, improve the quality of life, reduce the incidence of bone cement leakage, and has high clinical efficacy and safety.

Palliative Posterior Instrumentation versus Corpectomy with Cage Reconstruction Treatment for Thoracolumbar Pathological Fracture

STUDY DESIGN: Single-center, retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes in patients who underwent palliative posterior instrumentation (PPI) versus those who underwent corpectomy with cage reconstruction (CCR) for thoracolumbar pathological fracture. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The requirement for anterior support after corpectomy has been emphasized in the treatment of pathological fractures of the vertebrae. However, for patients with a relatively short life expectancy, anterior reconstruction may not be required and posterior instrumentation alone may provide adequate stabilization. METHODS: A total of 43 patients with metastases of the thoracolumbar spine underwent surgery in the department of orthopaedic and traumatology of Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine from 2003 to 2016. Surgical outcomes were assessed on the basis of survival status, pre- and postoperative pain, complication rate, and operation time. RESULTS: PPI was performed for 22 patients and CCR was performed for 21 patients. In the PPI group, the follow-up period of the five surviving patients was 32 months. The remaining 17 patients died with a mean survival duration of 12.3 months postoperatively. In the CCR group, the five surviving patients were followed up for an average of 14.1 months. The remaining 16 patients died with a mean survival duration of 18.7 months postoperatively. No statistically significant difference (p=0.812) was noted in the survival duration. The Visual Analog Scale scores of the patients were significantly reduced after both procedures, with no significant difference noted on the basis of the type of surgical intervention (p>0.05). The complication rate in the CCR group (33.3%) was higher compared with that in the PPI group (22.7%); however, this difference was not noted to be statistically significant (p=0.379). The average operation time in the PPI group (149 minutes) was significantly shorter (p=0.04) than that in the CCR group (192 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: The PPI technique can decompress the tumor for functional improvement and can stabilize the spinal structure to provide pain relief.

The clinical discussion on diagnostic and treatment progress of metastatic spinal adrenal pheochromocytoma / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Metastatic spinal adrenal pheochromocytoma is such a rare disease that its diagnosis is complicated and the treatment scheme has not reached a consensus at the international level. We should take the clinical manifestations, accessory examination, pathological diagnosis and gene tests into a full consideration to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and to choose reasonable treatment to improve the prognosis. The aim of this paper was to summarize the clinical characteristics, diagnostic basis, and treatment protocols of this disease, which may help to promote recognition of metastatic spinal adrenal pheochromocytoma.

Analysis on volume modulated arc therapy for spinal metastases / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To evaluate clinical effect of volume modulated arc therapy ( VMAT) for spinal metastases .Methods Twenty patients with spinal metastases who had been treated with VMAT were chosen to participate in the study .The prescribed dose varied from 45 to 60 Gy within 15 -20 fractions, 3 Gy per fraction, and one fraction per day of VMAT .Pain and quality of life were measured before VMAT and at several time points up to 6 months after treatment , by the numerical rating scale (NRS) and verbal rating scale (VRS) and the quality of life scale for bone metastases (EORTC QLQ-BM22) questionnaire.In addition, Frankel grading was used to evaluate the neurological function of spinal cord.The primary endpoint was frequency and duration of complete pain relief , and the secondary endpoint was death.Results At the end of the follow-up, the number of patients reporting no pain from spinal metastases, as measured by the NRS, increased from 0 of 20 before VMAT to 10 of 14 ( t =20.24, P0.05).After VMAT, the patients who suffered from nerve function impairment recovered to different extent . No one had radiation-induced injury , such as radiation myelitis , radiation pneumonitis , etc.Median survival time was 10 month.Conclusions VMAT is a safe and effective treatment method for spinal metastases .Significant reductions in patient-reported pain were observed , along with nerve dysfunction improved .The patients′quality of life was significantly improved .VMAT has no late spinal cord toxicities .

Circumferential resection decompression combined with bone cement fill-separation for treatment of spine meta-static tumor / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of spinal 360°circumferential resection decompression combined with bone cement fill-separation and pedicle screw fixation instrumentationb for patients suffering from spinal metastases.Methods Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 42 patients suffering from spinal metastases and underwent spinal 360°circumferential resection decompression combine with bone cement fill-separation and pedicle screw fixation instrumentation in our hospital from April 2012 to October 2016.The pain level were assessed by visual analogue scale(VAS),the functional impairment was classified by Karnofsky score(KPS) and the neurologic deficit was evaluated by Frankel grade before preoperation,1 week after operation and 3 months after operation.Results Through the following-up of 3 months,there was no neural symptoms relapse in primary segment.The VAS score was (0.57 ±0.79) points,and the KPS was (72.61 ± 19.12) points 3 months after operation,which were significantly improved compared with the data before operation (P ＜ 0.05).The VAS score improvement rate was (91.09％ ±13.73％),and the Frankel grade improvement rate was 80％.Conclusion Circumferential resection decompression combined with bone cement fill-separation and pedicle screw fixation instrumentationb for patients suffering from spinal metastases can effectively improve the neural symptoms and life-quality of patients and prevent neural symptoms relapsing in primary segment after operation.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy with Cement Augmentation for a Metastatic Spine Tumor

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation therapy followed by a bone cement augmentation procedure in treating and managing pain among metastatic spine tumor patients. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: As a metastatic spine tumor is unresectable, this procedure was performed. Results showed an increase in the necrosis rate, and a decrease in local recurrence and secondary vertebral stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2007 to April 2016, 26 patients who were treated with RF ablation with a bone cement augmentation procedure and the same number of patients treated with radiotherapy for metastatic spine lesions were included in this study. Pain relief and functional quality of life were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Roland Morris Questionnaire (RMQ). RESULTS: VAS scores preoperatively and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks follow-up were 7.45, 3.01, 3.78, and 2.97 in the procedure group, and 7.04, 6.65, 5.87, and 3.03 in the radiotherapy group. The procedure group had significantly better average outcomes than the radiotherapy group for pain relief at 4 weeks but showed no difference at 12 weeks. The RMQ score improved from 13.92 to 7.21 in the procedure group, and from 15.33 to 9.75 in the radiotherapy group. Two patients who had a metastatic tumor near the vertebral body posterior cortex showed cement leakage into the disc space, that is, intraforaminal and intracanal space; therefore, operations were performed (7.69% nerve injury). CONCLUSIONS: RF ablation therapy with cement augmentation in treatment of metastatic spine tumor shows effectiveness in early pain relief and brings immediate vertebral stability, helping patients return to normal life. However, it carries a risk of nerve injury due to cement leakage.

An update in the management of spinal metastases / Atualização no manejo das metástases na coluna vertebral

The best clinical treatment for spinal metastases requires an integrated approach with input from an interdisciplinary cancer team. The principle goals of treatment are maintenance or improvement in neurologic function and ambulation, spinal stability, durable tumor control, and pain relief. The past decade has witnessed an explosion of new technologies that have impacted our ability to reach these goals, such as separation surgery and minimally invasive spinal procedures. The biggest advance, however, has been the evolution of stereotactic radiosurgery that has demonstrated durable tumor control both when delivered as definitive therapy and as a postoperative adjuvant even for tumors considered markedly resistant to conventional external beam radiation. In this paper, we perform an update on the management of spinal metastases demonstrating the integration of these new technologies into a decision framework NOMS that assesses four basic aspects of a patient’s spine disease: Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanical Instability and Systemic disease.

O tratamento dos pacientes com metástases na coluna requer uma abordagem multidisciplinar por equipe especializada em oncologia. Os objetivos básicos do tratamento são a manutenção/ melhora da função neurológica com preservação da deambulação, manutenção da estabilidade da coluna, controle tumoral e alívio da dor. A última década testemunhou uma explosão de novas tecnologias que auxiliaram a atingir os objetivos terapêuticos, como a cirurgia de separação e procedimentos minimamente cirúrgicos minimamente invasivos. Contudo, o maior avanço terapêutico constitui-se do uso da radiocirurgia no tratamento das metástases de coluna, que possibilita bom controle local tanto como terapia definitiva ou no pós-operatório de tumores, mesmo os considerados radioresistentes à radioterapia convencional. No presente artigo, realizamos atualização do manejo das metástases de coluna, apresentando a integração das novas tecnologias em um algoritmo de decisão “NOMS” que inclui os quatros aspectos básicos dos pacientes com metástases na coluna:Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanical InstabilityeSystemic disease.

Application of virtual simulation surgery in lumbar spinal metastases / 局解手术学杂志

Objective Through the exploration of virtual simulation surgery to find a way to treat lumbar spinal metastases. Methods Based on 64 row spiral CT continuous 2-dimensional images of lumbar segments, normal lumbar vertebral, destruction of disease, abdominal aorta and kidneys were reconstructed by the Mimics software. 3D visualization structure was contemplated by anterior lesions clear, titanium mesh of bone cement support, and posterior pedicle screw fixation. Results The three-dimensional reconstruction distinctly displayed the structures of lumbar and its adjacent organs, and the entire virtual simulation surgery was intuitive. Conclusion The application of virtual simulation surgery ensures more accurate 3D model of lumbar establishment and its adjacent organs, and it provides an objective basis for in-dividualized treatment programs.

Predictive Factors of Palliative Radiotherapy Response and Survival in Patients with Spinal Metastases from Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Spinal metastases often severely limit the quality of life by causing severe pain and neurological deficits. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the palliative effect of radiotherapy (RT) for spinal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify factors predictive of survival in HCC patients with spinal metastases who received RT. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 192 patients with spinal metastases from HCC who received RT. RESULTS: Of 192 patients with spinal metastases from HCC, an overall pain response to palliative RT occurred in 187 patients (97.4%), with a complete pain response (CR) in 41 patients (21.4%) and a partial response in 151 patients (78.6%). A higher biologically effective dose (BED) and more advanced RT techniques were identified as predictive factors for a CR. The 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates were 18.1% and 6.3%, respectively, and the median survival time was 4.5 months. A long OS was associated with good performance status, controlled primary HCC, absence of extrahepatic metastases, and a higher BED. CONCLUSIONS: RT provided effective palliation for patients with painful spinal metastases from HCC. Our results provide information regarding pain control, survival outcomes, and predictive factors for the prognosis of HCC patients with spinal metastases treated with RT.

Clinical outcomes of stereotactic body radiotherapy for spinal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcomes of patients with spinal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), who were treated by stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 23 patients who underwent SBRT from October 2008 to August 2012 for 36 spinal metastases from HCC. SBRT consisted of approximately 2 fractionation schedules, which were 18 to 40 Gy in 1 to 4 fractions for group A lesions (n = 15) and 50 Gy in 10 fractions for group B lesions (n = 21). RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 7 months (range, 2 to 16 months). Seven patients developed grade 1 or 2 gastrointestinal toxicity, and one developed grade 2 leucopenia. Compression fractures occurred in association with 25% of the lesions, with a median time to fracture of 2 months. Pain relief occurred in 92.3% and 68.4% of group A and B lesions, respectively. Radiologic response (complete and partial response) occurred in 80.0% and 61.9% of group A and B lesions, respectively. The estimated 1-year spinal-tumor progression-free survival rate was 78.5%. The median overall survival period and 1-year overall survival rate were 9 months (range, 2 to 16 months) and 25.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: SBRT for spinal metastases from HCC is well tolerated and effective at providing pain relief and radiologic response. Because compression fractures develop at a high rate following SBRT for spinal metastases from primary HCC, careful follow up of the patient is required.

Posterior laminectomy and vertebroplasty combined with radiofrequency ablation in spinal metastases from malignant tumors / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of laminectomy combined with vertebroplasty in spinal metastases from rapid-growth tumors. Methods:Clinical data of 23 patients with spinal metastases of lung cancer, who were admitted to the Cancer Hospital from July 2008 to May 2012, were retrospectively analyzed. Thirteen male and ten female patients, with an age range from 40 years to 65 years and a mean age of 51.5, were examined. All patients received posterior laminectomy to relieve spinal cord compression. Afterward, vertebroplasty combined with radiofrequency ablation was conducted, followed by the internal fixation of vertebrae (instrumental fixation). Operation time, blood loss, and bone cement leakage rate were analyzed. One month before and after the operation, pain measurement was conducted using visual analog scale (VAS) and neurologic deficit (spinal cord injury) by Frankel Grade. Functional impairment was classified by Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score. Quality of life was assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Results:The mean operation time was 163±87.36 min. Blood boss was 430±130.35 mL. Bone cement leakage rate was 21.7%. One month before and after surgery, the VAS showed statistical significance (t=25.6, P<0.01). After surgery, 78.3%of all patients exhibited functionally satisfactory Frankel Grade D or E, compared with 43.5%of patients before the operation. KPS score (80 to 100) percentage was 69.6%after surgery compared with 34.8%before surgery. One month after the operation, remission of various degrees was seen in 10 of 18 patients who had sphincteric dysfunction before surgery (55.6%). The EORTC QLQ-C30 score was 85.39±8.99 before and 52.78±15.17 after operation. The quality of life improved significantly (t=11.6, P<0.01). Conclusion:Posterior laminectomy and vertebroplasty combined with radiofrequency ablation for spinal metastases from lung cancer is safe and effective. The treatment can improve pain, function, and life quality of patients with lung cancer spinal metastases.

Target in target radiotherapy for 90 patients with spinal metastases / 实用医学杂志

Objective To analyze the result of dose-escalated radiotherapy vs conventional radiotherapy for spinal metastases. Methods Ninety patients (118 lesions) underwent radiotherapy..There were 52 patients (63 lesions) in target in target radiotherapy (TIT) receiving PTV 30~40 Gy, GTV 50~60 Gy/15~25 f. 38 patients (55 lesions) received PTV 30~40 Gy/10~20 f in the conventional radiotherapy. Results The overall responses were 90.4% and 81.6%,respectively.but no significant difference was found. There were 31 and 25 improved lesions, 28 and 20 steady lesions, 4 and 10 worsening lesions,in two goups, respectively. 1-year local control rates and survival were 84.7%vs 68.6%and 49.4%vs 32.2%, respectively. The significant differences were found in 1-year local control rates and survival. The main acute adverse reactions were mainly hematologic toxicities , no significant difference was found. Conclusion TIT for spinal metastases is a more safe and effective treatment, with better efficacy and fewer side-reactions.

Stability of lumbar vertebra in patients with thoracolumbar vertebral metastases after treated with artificial vertebral placement or internal fixation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Vertebral metastatic tumor often occurs in the thoracolumbar segment, and it is difficult for internal fixation due to the complex anatomical position. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the stability of lumbar vertebra in the patients with single thoracolumbar vertebral metastases after treated with artificial vertebral placement and internal fixation. METHODS:Sixteen patients (9 male and 7 female) with single thoracolumbar vertebral metastases treated in the Department of Orthopedics, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2006 to January 2009 were selected, and the age ranged 40-74 years, averaged 52 years. Before treatment, al the patients were evaluated according to Frankel classification:A grade in two cases, B grade in three cases, C grade in three cases, D grade in five cases, and E grade in three cases. And the vertebral state of patients was detected with X-ray plain film examination, systemic radionuclide bone scanning, CT and MRI. The T11 vertebral metastases were treated with chest approach artificial vertebral placement and internal fixation, and T12-L2 vertebral metastases were treated with artificial vertebral placement and internal fixation via extrapleural and extraperitoneal space approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Al the 16 patients were fol owed up for 4-32 months, and the average survival time after treatment was 12 months. After treatment, Frankel classification was C grade in three cases, D grade in five cases and E grade in eight cases. The visual analog scale score was decreased from (6.22±1.31) before treatment to (3.25±0.94) after treatment, and there was significant difference between two groups (P<0.05). The artificial vertebral placement and internal fixation can restore the stability of lumbar vertebra in the patients with spinal metastases, and thus improving the symptoms and quality of life.