Utility of molecular markers in predicting local control specific to lung cancer spine metastases treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We report outcomes following spine stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the significance of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and timing of immune check point inhibitors (ICI) on local failure (LF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 165 patients and 389 spinal segments were retrospectively reviewed from 2009 to 2021. Baseline patient characteristics, treatment and outcomes were abstracted. Primary endpoint was LF and secondary, overall survival (OS) and vertebral compression fracture (VCF). Multivariable analysis (MVA) evaluated factors predictive of LF and VCF. RESULTS: The median follow-up and OS were: 13.0 months (range, 0.5-95.3 months) and 18.4 months (95% CI 11.4-24.6). 52.1% were male and 76.4% had adenocarcinoma. Of the 389 segments, 30.3% harboured an EGFR mutation and 17.0% were PD-L1 ≥ 50%. The 24 months LF rate in PD-L1 ≥ 50% vs PD-L1 < 50% was 10.7% vs. 38.0%, and in EGFR-positive vs. negative was 18.1% vs. 30.0%. On MVA, PD-L1 status of ≥ 50% (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15-0.69, p = 0.004) significantly predicted for lower LF compared to PD-L1 < 50%. Lower LF trend was seen with ICI administration peri and post SBRT (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.16-1.05, p = 0.062). On MVA, polymetastatic disease (HR 3.28, 95% CI 1.84-5.85, p < 0.0001) and ECOG ≥ 2 (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.16-3.02, p = 0.011) significantly predicted for worse OS and absence of baseline VCF predicted for lower VCF rate (HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.10-0.39, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We report a significant association of PD-L1 ≥ 50% status on improved LC rates from spine SBRT in NSCLC patients.

Post-operative complications affect survival in surgically treated metastatic spinal cord compression.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is increasing globally due to advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Whilst surgery can benefit specific patients, the complication rate can reach up to 34%, with limited reporting on their impact in the literature. This study aims to analyse the influence of major complications on the survival of surgically treated MESCC patients. METHODS: Consecutive MESCC patients undergoing surgery and meeting inclusion criteria were selected. Survival duration from decompressive surgery to death was recorded. Perioperative factors influencing survival were documented and analysed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis at one year compared these factors. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed. Additionally, univariate analysis compared complicated and uncomplicated groups. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were analysed. Median survival for this cohort was 229 days (95% CI 174-365). Surgical complications, low patient performance, and rapid primary tumour growth were significant perioperative variables for survival in multivariate analyses (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, and p = 0.02, respectively) with a hazard ratio of 3.2, 3.6, and 2.1, respectively. Univariate analysis showed no variables associated with complication occurrence. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, major surgical complications, patient performance, and primary tumour growth rate were found to be independent factors affecting one year survival. Thus, prioritizing complication prevention and appropriate patient selection is crucial for optimizing survival in this population.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Patients with Spinal Metastases from Thyroid Cancer: A 20-Year Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Primary thyroid cancer metastasizing to the spine portends poor survival and low quality of life. Current management strategies continue to evolve. This single-institution retrospective study analyzes outcomes after spinal stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with spinal metastases from thyroid cancer. METHODS: Nineteen patients (median age: 64.5 years) were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for spinal primary thyroid metastases (40 metastases, 47 vertebral levels) between 2003 and 2023. Nineteen (47.5%) lesions had epidural involvement and 20 (50%) lesions were classified as potentially unstable or unstable via the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score. The median tumor volume per lesion was 33 cc (range: 1.5-153). The median single fraction prescription dose was 20 Gy (range: 12-23.5). RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 15 months (range: 2-40). Five (12.8%) lesions locally progressed at a median of 9 months (range: 4-26) after SRS. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year local tumor control rates per lesion were 90.4%, 83.5%, and 75.9%, respectively. On univariate analysis, age at SRS >70 years (P = 0.05, hazard ratio: 6.86, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-46.7) was significantly correlated with lower rates of local tumor control. The median overall survival was 35 months (range: 2-141). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rates were 73.7%, 50.4%, and 43.2%, respectively. For 33 lesions initially associated with pain, patients reported pain improvement (22 lesions, 66.7%), stability (10 lesions, 30.3%), and worsening (1 lesion, 3.0%) after SRS. One patient developed dysphagia 4 months after SRS treatment. CONCLUSIONS: SRS can be utilized as an effective and safe primary and adjuvant treatment option for primary thyroid metastases to the spine.

The role of spine stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with breast cancer metastases.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer that metastasizes to the spine is associated with low quality of life and poor survival. Radiosurgery has an increasing role in this patient population. This single-institution (2003-2023) study analyzes clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for patients who underwent spinal stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS) for metastatic breast cancer. METHODS: Ninety patients (155 unique breast cancer spinal metastases) were treated with SSRS. The median age was 57 years (range: 35-88), and the median KPS was 80 (range: 40-100). Forty-two (27%) lesions were managed surgically prior to radiosurgery. At SSRS, 75 (48%) lesions impinged or compressed the spinal cord per the epidural spinal cord scale (ESCC). Seventy-nine (51%) lesions were categorized as potentially unstable or unstable by the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS). RESULTS: The median follow-up was 15 months (range: 1-183). The median single-session tumor volume was 25.4 cc (range: 2-197), and the median single-fraction prescription dose was 17 Gy (range: 12-25). Seven (5%) lesions locally progressed. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year local control rates were 98%, 97%, and 92%, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) for the cohort was 32 months (range: 2-183). The 1-, 2-, and 5-year OS rates were 72%, 53%, and 30%, respectively. On univariate analysis, KPS ≥ 80 (p = 0.009, HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31-0.84) was associated with improved OS. Patient-reported pain improved (68%), remained stable (29%), or worsened (3%) following radiosurgery. Fifteen (10%) radiation-induced toxicities were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal radiosurgery is a safe and highly effective long-term treatment modality for metastases to the spine that originate from breast cancer.

Practice and principles of stereotactic body radiation therapy for spine and non-spine bone metastases.

Radiotherapy is the dominant treatment modality for painful spine and non-spine bone metastases (NSBM). Historically, this was achieved with conventional low dose external beam radiotherapy, however, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is increasingly applied for these indications. Meta-analyses and randomized clinical trials have demonstrated improved pain response and more durable tumor control with SBRT for spine metastases. However, in the setting of NSBM, there is limited evidence supporting global adoption and large scale randomized clinical trials are in need. SBRT is technically demanding requiring careful consideration of organ at risk tolerance, and strict adherence to technical requirements including immobilization, simulation, contouring and image-guidance procedures. Additional considerations include follow up practices after SBRT, with appropriate imaging playing a critical role in response assessment. Finally, there is renewed research into promising new technologies that may further refine the use of SBRT in both spinal and NSBM in the years to come.

Surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery for spinal leiomyosarcoma: a single-institution retrospective series and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare, aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma that seldom spreads to the bone. The spine can be either the site of LMS osseous metastases or the primary tumor site. The optimal treatment option for spinal LMS is still unclear. The authors present a cohort of patients with spinal LMS treated with either upfront surgery or upfront CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). METHODS: The authors retrospectively studied the clinical and radiological outcomes of 17 patients with spinal LMS treated at their institution between 2004 and 2020. Either surgery or SRS was used as the upfront treatment. The clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed. A systematic review of the literature was also conducted. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients (20 spinal lesions), 12 (70.6%) were female. The median patient age was 61 years (range 41-80 years). Ten patients had upfront surgery for their spinal lesions, and 7 had upfront CyberKnife radiosurgery. The median follow-up was 11 months (range 0.3-130 months). The median overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 13 months (range 0.3-97 months). In subgroup analysis, the median OS was lower for the surgical group (13 months, range 0.3-50 months), while the median OS for the SRS group was 15 months (range 5-97 months) (p = 0.5). Forty percent (n = 4) of those treated with surgery presented with local recurrence at a median of 6.7 months (range 0.3-36 months), while only 14% (n = 1) of those treated with CyberKnife radiosurgery had local recurrence after 5 months. Local tumor control (LTC) rates at the 6-, 12-, and 18-month follow-ups were 72%, 58%, and 43%, respectively, for the SRS group and 40%, 30%, and 20%, respectively, for the surgery group (p < 0.05). The literature review included 35 papers with 70 patients harboring spinal LMS; only 2 patients were treated with SRS. The literature review confirms the clinical and radiological outcomes of the surgical group, while data on SRS are anecdotal. CONCLUSIONS: The authors present the largest series in the literature of spinal LMS and the first on SRS for spinal LMS. This study shows that LTC is statistically significantly better in patients receiving upfront SRS instead of surgery. The OS does not appear different between the two groups.

Dosimetric Comparison of Conventional Radiotherapy, Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy, and Proton Beam Therapy for Palliation of Thoracic Spine Metastases Secondary to Breast or Prostate Cancer.

The aim of this planning study was to compare the dosimetric outcomes of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Proton Beam Therapy (PBT), and conventional External Beam Radiation Therapy (cEBRT) in the treatment of thoracic spinal metastases originating from breast or prostate cancer. Our study utilized data from 30 different treatment plans and evaluated target coverage and doses to vital organs at risk (OARs), such as the spinal cord, heart, esophagus, and lungs. The results showed that VMAT and PBT achieved superior target coverage and significantly lower doses to the spinal cord compared to cEBRT (target: median PTVD95%: 75.2 for cEBRT vs. 92.9 and 91.7 for VMAT (p < 0.001) and PBT (p < 0.001), respectively; spinal cord: median Dmax%: 105.1 for cEBRT vs. 100.4 and 103.6 for VMAT (p < 0.001) and PBT (p = 0.002), respectively). Specifically, VMAT was notable for its superior target coverage and PBT for significantly lower doses to heart, lungs, and esophagus. However, VMAT resulted in higher lung doses, indicating potential trade-offs among different techniques. The study demonstrated the relative advantages of VMAT and PBT over traditional RT in the palliative treatment of spinal metastases using conventional fractionation. These findings underscore the potential of VMAT and PBT to improve dosimetric outcomes, suggesting that they may be more suitable for certain patient groups for whom the sparing of specific OARs is especially important.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for spinal metastases: 12 years of a single center experience

Objective To assess the clinical outcomes of patients with spine metastases treated with SBRT at our institution. Materials and methods Patients with spine metastases treated with SBRT (1 fraction/18 Gy or 5 fractions/7 Gy) during the last 12 years have been analyzed. All patients were simulated supine in a vacuum cushion or with a shoulder mask. CT scans and MRI image registration were performed. Contouring was based on International Spine-Radiosurgery-Consortium-Consensus-Guidelines. Highly conformal-techniques (IMRT/VMAT) were used for treatment planning. Intra and interfraction (CBCT or X-Ray-ExacTrac) verification were mandatory. Results From February 2010 to January 2022, 129 patients with spinal metastases were treated with SBRT [1 fraction/18 Gy (75%) or 5 fractions/7 Gy] (25%). For patients with painful metastases (74/129:57%), 100% experienced an improvement in pain after SBRT. With a median follow-up of 14.2 months (average 22.9; range 0.5–140) 6 patients (4.6%) experienced local relapse. Local progression-free survival was different, considering metastases’s location (p < 0.04). The 1, 2 and 3 years overall survival (OS) were 91.2%, 85.1% and 83.2%, respectively. Overall survival was significantly better for patients with spine metastases of breast and prostate cancers compared to other tumors (p < 0.05) and significantly worse when visceral metastases were present (p < 0.05), when patients were metastatic de novo (p < 0.05), and in those patients receiving single fraction SBRT (p: 0.01). Conclusions According to our experience, SBRT for patients with spinal metastases was effective in terms of local control and useful to reach pain relief. Regarding the intent of the treatment, an adequate selection of patients is essential to propose this ablative approach (AU)

[Artículo traducido] Manejo de metástasis sintomáticas de columna: un enfoque multidisciplinario basado en un diagrama de flujo / Management of symptomatic spine metastases: A multidisciplinary approach based flow-chart

Describimos un algoritmo para el manejo de las metástasis espinales en el que la importancia de los parámetros individuales varía dependiendo del momento en el que se contemplan.Cada paciente sigue su propio proceso secuencial «personal» que no necesariamente considera todos los parámetros cada vez, ya que algunos pueden ser irrelevantes a la hora de elegir el tipo de tratamiento para ese individuo. Por ejemplo, un paciente en mal estado general con una puntuación ASA alta generalmente no es candidato para la cirugía, independientemente de la naturaleza del tumor primario o del número de metástasis. Para este paciente, el elemento más importante sería la sensibilidad del tumor al tratamiento adyuvante. Del mismo modo, un paciente con lesión aguda y progresiva de la médula espinal se sometería a descompresión quirúrgica y estabilización sin considerar una intervención más agresiva.(AU)

We described an algorithm for the management of spinal metastases in which the importance of single parameters varies depending on when they are contemplated.Each patient follows his own «personal» sequential process which does not necessarily consider all the parameters each time as some may be irrelevant for the purpose of choosing the type of treatment for that single individual. For instance, a patient in general poor condition with a high ASA score is usually not a candidate for surgery, regardless of the primary tumor nature or the number of metastases. For this patient, the most important element would be the sensitivity of the tumor to adjuvant treatment. Similarly, a patient with acute and progressive spinal cord injury would undergo surgical decompression and stabilization without considering a more strenuous intervention.(AU)

Management of symptomatic spine metastases: A multidisciplinary approach based flow-chart / Manejo de metástasis sintomáticas de columna: un enfoque multidisciplinario basado en un diagrama de flujo

Describimos un algoritmo para el manejo de las metástasis espinales en el que la importancia de los parámetros individuales varía dependiendo del momento en el que se contemplan.Cada paciente sigue su propio proceso secuencial «personal» que no necesariamente considera todos los parámetros cada vez, ya que algunos pueden ser irrelevantes a la hora de elegir el tipo de tratamiento para ese individuo. Por ejemplo, un paciente en mal estado general con una puntuación ASA alta generalmente no es candidato para la cirugía, independientemente de la naturaleza del tumor primario o del número de metástasis. Para este paciente, el elemento más importante sería la sensibilidad del tumor al tratamiento adyuvante. Del mismo modo, un paciente con lesión aguda y progresiva de la médula espinal se sometería a descompresión quirúrgica y estabilización sin considerar una intervención más agresiva.(AU)

We described an algorithm for the management of spinal metastases in which the importance of single parameters varies depending on when they are contemplated.Each patient follows his own «personal» sequential process which does not necessarily consider all the parameters each time as some may be irrelevant for the purpose of choosing the type of treatment for that single individual. For instance, a patient in general poor condition with a high ASA score is usually not a candidate for surgery, regardless of the primary tumor nature or the number of metastases. For this patient, the most important element would be the sensitivity of the tumor to adjuvant treatment. Similarly, a patient with acute and progressive spinal cord injury would undergo surgical decompression and stabilization without considering a more strenuous intervention.(AU)

Papel de la radioterapia en el manejo de las metástasis vertebrales: últimas novedades / Role of radiotherapy in the management of spine metastases

Las metástasis vertebrales son una causa común de dolor en el paciente oncológico, lo cual puede generar limitación funcional, además de complicaciones derivadas de una posible compresión medular, radicular y fracturas. Se requiere de un abordaje complejo de estas metástasis por el riesgo de secuelas permanentes. Con el aumento de las supervivencia gracias a los nuevos tratamientos emergentes, las posibilidades de presentar metástasis vertebrales son cada vez mayores, por ende, el manejo de estas lesiones debe ir encaminado al alivio del dolor y el mantenimiento de la deambulación. La radioterapia juega un papel fundamental en el manejo de estas lesiones, y disponemos de avances tecnológicos en los últimos años que han permitido mejorar la calidad e intencionalidad de los tratamientos, pasando de ser meramente paliativos a proponer tratamientos que mejoren el control local. En este articulo hacemos una descripción de como la técnica de SBRT (stereotactic body radiotherapy), en pacientes seleccionados puede mejorar el control local de forma más duradera, y el valor que tiene en paciente oligometastásico y tras cirugía.(AU)

Spine metastases are a common cause of pain in the oncologic patient which can generate functional limitation, in addition to complications derived from spinal cord compression, radicular compression and fractures. A complex approach to these metastases is required due to the risk of permanent sequelae. With the increase in survival rates due to new emerging treatments, the possibilities of presenting vertebral metastases are increasing, therefore, the management of these lesions should be aimed at pain relief and maintenance of ambulation. Radiotherapy has a fundamental role in the management of these lesions, and technological advances in recent years have made it possible to improve the quality and intentionality of the treatments, going from having a palliative intent to proposing treatments that improve local control. In this article we describe how the stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) technique, in selected patients, can improve local control and its value in oligometastatic patients and after surgery.(AU)

[Translated article] Role of radiotherapy in the management of spine metastases / Papel de la radioterapia en el manejo de las metástasis vertebrales: últimas novedades

Las metástasis vertebrales son una causa común de dolor en el paciente oncológico, lo cual puede generar limitación funcional, además de complicaciones derivadas de una posible compresión medular, radicular y fracturas. Se requiere de un abordaje complejo de estas metástasis por el riesgo de secuelas permanentes. Con el aumento de las supervivencia gracias a los nuevos tratamientos emergentes, las posibilidades de presentar metástasis vertebrales son cada vez mayores, por ende, el manejo de estas lesiones debe ir encaminado al alivio del dolor y el mantenimiento de la deambulación. La radioterapia juega un papel fundamental en el manejo de estas lesiones, y disponemos de avances tecnológicos en los últimos años que han permitido mejorar la calidad e intencionalidad de los tratamientos, pasando de ser meramente paliativos a proponer tratamientos que mejoren el control local. En este articulo hacemos una descripción de como la técnica de SBRT (stereotactic body radiotherapy), en pacientes seleccionados puede mejorar el control local de forma más duradera, y el valor que tiene en paciente oligometastásico y tras cirugía.(AU)

Spine metastases are a common cause of pain in the oncologic patient which can generate functional limitation, in addition to complications derived from spinal cord compression, radicular compression and fractures. A complex approach to these metastases is required due to the risk of permanent sequelae. With the increase in survival rates due to new emerging treatments, the possibilities of presenting vertebral metastases are increasing, therefore, the management of these lesions should be aimed at pain relief and maintenance of ambulation. Radiotherapy has a fundamental role in the management of these lesions, and technological advances in recent years have made it possible to improve the quality and intentionality of the treatments, going from having a palliative intent to proposing treatments that improve local control. In this article we describe how the stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) technique, in selected patients, can improve local control and its value in oligometastatic patients and after surgery.(AU)

Metástasis vertebrales. Tratamiento en bloque / Vertebral metastases. En bloc treatment

La resección en bloque de metástasis en columna vertebral ha sido objeto de estudio en la literatura médica debido a su impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y su efectividad en el control local de la enfermedad. Este análisis bibliográfico examina los hallazgos y perspectivas de estudios publicados en relación con la resección en bloque de oligometástasis vertebrales. La técnica, que implica la extirpación completa del tumor junto con una porción del hueso circundante, ha demostrado mejorar el control local del tumor, reducir la recurrencia y potencialmente prolongar la supervivencia de los pacientes en comparación con las técnicas convencionales de descompresión y estabilización. Sin embargo, la resección en bloque también presenta riesgos y complicaciones, como la morbilidad quirúrgica y el mayor tiempo de recuperación. La selección adecuada de pacientes, la planificación preoperatoria y el enfoque multidisciplinario son fundamentales para optimizar los resultados. A medida que se desarrollan nuevas técnicas y avances en el tratamiento adyuvante, la resección en bloque de oligometástasis vertebrales sigue siendo un área de interés en la investigación oncológica.(AU)

En bloc resection of vertebral metastases has been the subject of study in medical literature due to its impact on patients’ quality of life and effectiveness in local disease control. This bibliographic analysis examines the findings and perspectives of published studies concerning en bloc resection of oligometastases in the spine. The technique, which involves the complete removal of the tumour along with a portion of the surrounding bone, has been shown to improve local tumour control, reduce recurrence, and potentially prolong patient survival compared to conventional decompression and stabilization techniques. However, en bloc resection also presents risks and complications, such as surgical morbidity and extended recovery time. Appropriate patient selection, preoperative planning, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential to optimize outcomes. As new techniques and advances in adjuvant treatment develop, en bloc resection of oligometastases in the spine remains an area of interest in oncological research.(AU)

[Translated article] Vertebral metastases. En bloc treatment / Metástasis vertebrales. Tratamiento en bloque

La resección en bloque de metástasis en columna vertebral ha sido objeto de estudio en la literatura médica debido a su impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y su efectividad en el control local de la enfermedad. Este análisis bibliográfico examina los hallazgos y perspectivas de estudios publicados en relación con la resección en bloque de oligometástasis vertebrales. La técnica, que implica la extirpación completa del tumor junto con una porción del hueso circundante, ha demostrado mejorar el control local del tumor, reducir la recurrencia y potencialmente prolongar la supervivencia de los pacientes en comparación con las técnicas convencionales de descompresión y estabilización. Sin embargo, la resección en bloque también presenta riesgos y complicaciones, como la morbilidad quirúrgica y el mayor tiempo de recuperación. La selección adecuada de pacientes, la planificación preoperatoria y el enfoque multidisciplinario son fundamentales para optimizar los resultados. A medida que se desarrollan nuevas técnicas y avances en el tratamiento adyuvante, la resección en bloque de oligometástasis vertebrales sigue siendo un área de interés en la investigación oncológica.(AU)

En bloc resection of vertebral metastases has been the subject of study in medical literature due to its impact on patients’ quality of life and effectiveness in local disease control. This bibliographic analysis examines the findings and perspectives of published studies concerning en bloc resection of oligometastases in the spine. The technique, which involves the complete removal of the tumour along with a portion of the surrounding bone, has been shown to improve local tumour control, reduce recurrence, and potentially prolong patient survival compared to conventional decompression and stabilization techniques. However, en bloc resection also presents risks and complications, such as surgical morbidity and extended recovery time. Appropriate patient selection, preoperative planning, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential to optimize outcomes. As new techniques and advances in adjuvant treatment develop, en bloc resection of oligometastases in the spine remains an area of interest in oncological research.(AU)

Spine Patient Optimal Radiosurgery Treatment for Symptomatic Metastatic Neoplasms (SPORTSMEN): a randomized phase II study protocol.

Background: Approximately 40% of patients with metastatic cancer will have spinal metastatic disease. Historically treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with limited durability in pain control, the increased lifespan of this patient population has necessitated more durable treatment results via spine radiosurgery/stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). The goal of this study is to assess three-month pain freedom rates via the Spine Patient Optimal Radiosurgery Treatment for Symptomatic Metastatic Neoplasms (SPORTSMEN) randomized trial. Materials and methods: This study is a prospective randomized three-arm phase II trial which will recruit patients with symptomatic spine metastases. All patients will be randomized to standard-of care SBRT (24 Gy in 2 fractions), single-fraction SBRT (19 Gy in 1 fraction), or EBRT (8 Gy in 1 fraction), with the primary endpoint of three-month pain freedom (using the Brief Pain Inventory). We expect that SPORTSMEN will help definitively answer the efficacy of spine SBRT versus EBRT for achieving pain freedom, while defining the safety and efficacy of 19 Gy single-fraction spine SBRT. Local control will be defined according to Spine Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (SPINO) criteria. Discussion: This is the first phase II trial to objectively assess optimal spine SBRT dosing in the treatment of symptomatic spine metastatic disease, while assessing spine SBRT versus EBRT. Findings should allow for better determination of the efficacy of two-fraction spine SBRT versus EBRT in the United States, as well as for the novel single-fraction 19 Gy spine SBRT regimen in patients with symptomatic spine metastases. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05617716 (registration date: November 14, 2022).

Management of chordoma and chondrosarcoma with definitive dose-escalated single-fraction spine stereotactic radiosurgery.

PURPOSE: The management of chordoma or chondrosarcoma involving the spine is often challenging due to adjacent critical structures and tumor radioresistance. Spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS) has radiobiologic advantages compared with conventional radiotherapy, though there is limited evidence on SSRS in this population. We sought to characterize the long-term local control (LC) of patients treated with SSRS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with chordoma or chondrosarcoma treated with dose-escalated SSRS, defined as 24 Gy in 1 fraction to the gross tumor volume. Overall survival (OS) was calculated by Kaplan-Meier functions. Competing risk analysis using the cause-specific hazard function estimated LC time. RESULTS: Fifteen patients, including 12 with chordoma and 3 with chondrosarcoma, with 22 lesions were included. SSRS intent was definitive, single-modality in 95% of cases (N = 21) and post-operative in 1 case (5%). After a median censored follow-up time of 5 years (IQR 4 to 8 years), median LC time was not reached (IQR 8 years to not reached), with LC rates of 100%, 100%, and 90% at 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years. The median OS was 8 years (IQR 3 years to not reached). Late grade 3 toxicity occurred after 23% of treatments (N = 5, fracture), all of which were managed successfully with stabilization. CONCLUSION: Definitive dose-escalated SSRS to 24 Gy in 1 fraction appears to be a safe and effective treatment for achieving durable local control in chordoma or chondrosarcoma involving the spine, and may hold particular importance as a low-morbidity alternative to surgery in selected cases.

Vertebral metastases. En bloc treatment. / Metástasis vertebrales. Tratamiento en bloque.

En bloc resection of vertebral metastases has been the subject of study in medical literature due to its impact on patients' quality of life and effectiveness in local disease control. This bibliographic analysis examines the findings and perspectives of published studies concerning en bloc resection of oligometastases in the spine. The technique, which involves the complete removal of the tumour along with a portion of the surrounding bone, has been shown to improve local tumour control, reduce recurrence, and potentially prolong patient survival compared to conventional decompression and stabilization techniques. However, en bloc resection also presents risks and complications, such as surgical morbidity and extended recovery time. Appropriate patient selection, preoperative planning, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential to optimize outcomes. As new techniques and advances in adjuvant treatment develop, en bloc resection of oligometastases in the spine remains an area of interest in oncological research.

Management of symptomatic spine metastases: A multidisciplinary approach based flow-chart. / [Artículo traducido] Manejo de metástasis sintomáticas de columna: un enfoque multidisciplinario basado en un diagrama de flujo.

We described an algorithm for the management of spinal metastases in which the importance of single parameters varies depending on when they are contemplated. Each patient follows his own «personal¼ sequential process which does not necessarily consider all the parameters each time as some may be irrelevant for the purpose of choosing the type of treatment for that single individual. For instance, a patient in general poor condition with a high ASA score is usually not a candidate for surgery, regardless of the primary tumor nature or the number of metastases. For this patient, the most important element would be the sensitivity of the tumor to adjuvant treatment. Similarly, a patient with acute and progressive spinal cord injury would undergo surgical decompression and stabilization without considering a more strenuous intervention.

[Translated article] Vertebral metastases. En bloc treatment.

En bloc resection of vertebral metastases has been the subject of study in medical literature due to its impact on patients' quality of life and effectiveness in local disease control. This bibliographic analysis examines the findings and perspectives of published studies concerning en bloc resection of oligometastases in the spine. The technique, which involves the complete removal of the tumour along with a portion of the surrounding bone, has been shown to improve local tumour control, reduce recurrence, and potentially prolong patient survival compared to conventional decompression and stabilisation techniques. However, en bloc resection also presents risks and complications, such as surgical morbidity and extended recovery time. Appropriate patient selection, preoperative planning, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential to optimise outcomes. As new techniques and advances in adjuvant treatment develop, en bloc resection of oligometastases in the spine remains an area of interest in oncological research.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Spine Metastases-Findings from an Australian Population-Based Study.

Background: To evaluate the use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for spine metastases and the associated factors in Australia. Methods: The Victorian Radiotherapy Minimum Dataset, which captures all episodes of radiotherapy delivered in the state of Victoria, was accessed to evaluate the patterns and trends of SBRT for spine metastases. The primary outcome was SBRT use and associated factors. Results: There were 6244 patients who received 8861 courses of radiotherapy for spine metastases between 2012 and 2017. Of these, 277 (3%) courses were SBRT, which increased from 0.4% in 2012 to 5% in 2017 (P-trend < 0.001). There was a higher proportion of SBRT use in patients with prostate cancer (6%) and melanoma (4%) compared to other cancers (2-3%) (p < 0.001). Patients from the highest socioeconomic quintiles (5%) were more likely to be treated with SBRT compared to patients from the lowest socioeconomic quintiles (3%) (p < 0.001). There was a higher proportion of SBRT use in private radiotherapy centres (6%) compared to public radiotherapy centres (1%) (p < 0.001). No spine SBRT was delivered in regional centres. In multivariate analyses, the year of treatment, age, primary cancers and radiotherapy centres were independently associated with SBRT use. Conclusion: This is the first Australian population-based study quantifying the increasing use of spine SBRT; however, the overall use of spine SBRT remains low. We anticipate an ongoing increase in spine SBRT, as spine SBRT gradually becomes the standard-of-care treatment for painful spine metastases.