New Research Shows Effectiveness Of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy For Spinal Tumors

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience;  Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Article Date: 18 Aug 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a highly effective alternative treatment for some cancer patients with spinal metastases, reported in new research from The University of Texas in Houston, according to James G. Schwade, M.D. Executive Director of the CyberKnife Centers of Miami and Palm Beach.

"This data confirms the established method of cancer treatment used on spinal tumors and other hard to reach areas of the body, due to the precisely targeted radiation dose and non-invasive nature of radiosurgery," said Dr. Schwade.

The study was presented at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons annual meeting in San Diego.

"SBRT offers patients a minimally invasive treatment option they previously did not have," said Dr. Eric L. Chang. "We are also able to offer patients a degree of pain control and to decrease their pain medications, minimizing the side effects from those medications."

In the study, researchers evaluated 121 cancer patients with metastases to the spine who underwent intensity-modulated, near simultaneous, CT image-guided SBRT, said Dr. Chang.

Researchers used a stereotactic body frame system consisting of a whole-body vacuum cushion and plastic fixation sheet used to immobilize patients for the treatment period, which lasts approximately one hour.

The team performed MR imaging of the spine within 30 days of patient enrollment, every three months for the first year and every six months after that. Patients also evaluated their own pain and other discomfort using instruments including the validated Brief Pain Inventory and the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory.

The CyberKnife Centers of Miami and Palm Beach serve the Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade County areas with outpatient facilities treating cancer patients with stereotactic radiosurgery utilizing the CyberKnife.

Source: CyberKnife Centers of Miami and Palm Beach

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