The Diagnosis and Treatment of Metastatic Spinal Tumor

TLDR

Metastatic spinal tumors pose a significant challenge in oncology, requiring multidisciplinary review, and while radiation therapy remains the mainstay, advances in radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery have redefined treatment roles and improved outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment before neurologic or functional deficits arise, aided by physician awareness and imaging, improve outcomes for metastatic spinal tumor patients.

Abstract

Abstract Metastases to the spine represent a challenging problem in an oncology practice. Treatment decisions require multidisciplinary review. Radiation therapy remains the primary treatment for metastatic spinal tumor, but advances in radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery have changed the roles of each and lead to improved patient outcomes. Regardless of the treatment, diagnosis and treatment before the development of significant neurologic and functional deficits improve outcomes. Physician awareness and appropriate imaging greatly assist in the early detection of tumor.