Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Spinal Metastases: What are the Risks and How Do We Minimize Them?

ABSTRACT:

Study design

Systematic literature review.

Objectives

To summarize the risks of 3 key complications of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for spinal metastases, that is, radiation myelopathy (RM), vertebral compression fracture (VCF), and epidural disease progression, and to discuss strategies for minimizing them.

Summary of background data

RM, VCF and epidural disease progression are now recognized as important risks following SBRT for spine metastases. It is unclear at this stage exactly how large these risks are and what strategies can be employed to minimize these risks.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature using MEDLINE and a review of the bibliographies of reviewed articles on SBRT for spinal metastases were conducted.

Results

The initi

SUBMITTER: Chang JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5552170 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature