Vertebral augmentation for cancer patients

Vertebral augmentation has emerged as a crucial intervention for cancer patients suffering from vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) due to metastatic or other spinal tumours. These fractures significantly compromise patients' quality of life and exacerbate pain, leading to increased morbidity and decreased functional status. This comprehensive review explores the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of vertebral augmentation techniques, including vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, in cancer patients. It examines the underlying pathophysiology of VCFs in cancer, patient selection criteria, procedural techniques, complications, and future directions in research and clinical practice. The review emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, radiotherapy specialists and orthopedic spinal/tumour surgeons, interventional radiologists, and pain management specialists to optimize patient outcomes and improve overall well-being.