SURGERY FOR METASTATIC SPINAL-DISEASE

Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States. Despite the d evelopment of advanced treatment for many malignancies, a large number of patients will require evaluation and possible surgical interventio n for lesions which have metastasized to or directly invaded the spina l column. The recommendations for operative intervention on these pati ents should be made following evaluations by multiple specialties, bot h medical and surgical. An improved understanding of the pathophysiolo gy of malignancy and the development of advanced adjunctive treatment modalities have improved the quality and duration of life in many pati ents. Recent studies have demonstrated the utility of early surgery wh en combined with other treatment modalities. Surgical techniques for t umor resection and spine stabilization have improved the outcome of pa tients reported in multiple surgical series. A multidisciplinary appro ach to treatment of cancer patients with spinal involvement affords th e patient an optimal outcome.