Update on management of vertebral column tumors

Treatment options for metastatic and primary spinal tumors have expanded in recent years, in part due to the advances made in stereotactic radiosurgery. For metastatic spinal tumors, our institution utilizes the neurologic, oncologic, mechanical, and systemic (NOMS) decision framework, which provides a treatment paradigm based on the neurologic, oncologic, mechanical and systemic status of the patient. Radiosurgery as a supplement to surgical decompression has allowed for less-invasive surgical procedures carrying minimal morbidity while still providing effective local tumor control. Although wide en bloc excision has traditionally been the goal for the treatment of high-grade primary spine tumors, recent studies have shown promise for radiosurgery in providing control in tumors such as chordomas and high-grade sarcomas. Despite advances in radiosurgery, there continues to be limitations in providing effective conformational doses with minimal toxicity to critical structures. One of the ways to circumvent this and supplement external beam radiation is through the use of brachytherapy delivered by radioactive plaque or seeds.