Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Spinal Metastases

SBRT for Spinal Metastases Kendall Pearage Dr. Gina Capitano Ed. D, R.T. (R) Cathy Moody R.T. (T) Northeast Radiation Oncology Center Abstract Spinal metastases are the most common spinal tumors accounting for approximately 90% of cases and are a result of cancer arising from another part of the body. This research explains how Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) can treat spinal metastases. SBRT is a type of treatment that uses high fractionated doses of radiation to treat patients with different cancers. SBRT is commonly used to treat spinal metastases because it allows radiation therapists to treat a very precise location on the spine, causing little damage to nearby structures and organs. Patients typically receive one to five fractions of treatment, each with varying doses. The radiation targets and eventually shrinks the tumor bed while administering little dose to the spinal cord. SBRT for spinal metastases has shown longer survival rates and increased pain relief in patients. Continuing research is needed to determine any negative effects Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy can cause to cancers that spread to bone. Keywords: SBRT, Spinal Metastases, Cancer, Radiation, Treatment, Spinal Cordhttps://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/medimg_seniorposters/1031/thumbnail.jp