The evolution and rise of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for spinal metastases.

The evolution and rise of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for spinal metastases. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2018 Jun 25;: Authors: Vellayappan BA, Chao ST, Foote M, Guckenberger M, Redmond KJ, Chang EL, Mayr NA, Sahgal A, Lo SS Abstract INTRODUCTION: Owing to improvements in clinical care and systemic therapy, more patients are being diagnosed with, and living longer with, spinal metastases (SM). In parallel, tremendous technological progress has been made in the field of radiation oncology. Advances in both software and hardware are able to integrate three- (and four-) dimensional body imaging with spatially accurate treatment delivery methods. This is able to improve the efficacy, shorten the overall treatment schedule and potentially reduce treatment-related toxicity. Areas covered: In this review, we will look at the progress made by stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in the management of SM. We will review the technological factors which have enabled the widespread use of SBRT. The efficacy of SBRT, in various clinical scenarios, and associated toxicities will be reviewed. Lastly, we will discuss about patient selection, and provide a five-year roadmap. Expert commentary: Spine SBRT is a safe and efficacious treatment option. Practice guidelines recommend the use of SBRT in oligo-metastatic patients especially those with radio-resistant cancer types, and in scenarios involving re-irradiation. SBRT offers patients dose-...
Source: Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Expert Rev Anticancer Ther Source Type: research