Boron neutron capture therapy delays the decline in neurological function in a mouse model of metastatic spinal tumors.

Metastatic spinal tumors are increasingly prevalent due to advancements in cancer treatment, leading to prolonged survival rates. This rising prevalence highlights the need for developing more effective therapeutic approaches to address this malignancy. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) offers a promising solution by delivering targeted doses to tumors while minimizing damage to normal tissue. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of BNCT as a potential therapeutic option for spine metastases in mouse models induced by A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. The animal models were randomly allocated into three groups: untreated (n = 10), neutron irradiation only (n = 9), and BNCT (n = 10). Each mouse was administered 4-borono-L-phenylalanine (250 mg/kg) intravenously, followed by measurement of boron concentrations 2.5 h later. Overall survival, neurological function of the hindlimb, and any adverse events were assessed post irradiation. The tumor-to-normal spinal cord and blood boron concentration ratios were 3.6 and 2.9, respectively, with no significant difference observed between the normal and compressed spinal cord tissues. The BNCT group exhibited significantly prolonged survival rates compared with the other groups (vs. untreated, p = 0.0015; vs. neutron-only, p = 0.0104, log-rank test). Furthermore, the BNCT group demonstrated preserved neurological function relative to the other groups (vs. untreated, p = 0.0004; vs. neutron-only, p = 0.0051, multivariate analysis of variance). No adverse events were observed post irradiation. These findings indicate that BNCT holds promise as a novel treatment modality for metastatic spinal tumors.

Spinal laser interstitial thermal therapy and radiotherapy for thoracic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

PURPOSE: Spinal laser interstitial thermal therapy (sLITT) is a less invasive alternative to surgery for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression. Here, we analyze outcomes of patients treated with sLITT either in conjunction with radiotherapy or as a standalone salvage therapy. METHODS: We included patients with thoracic vertebral metastatic cord compression treated with sLITT. Outcomes included freedom from local failure (FFLF) and overall survival (OS). Factors associated with FFLF were identified with univariable and multivariable analyses via a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Between 2013-2022, 129 patients received sLITT to 144 vertebral segments; 69% were radiotherapy naïve, 81% were radioresistant histologies, and 74% were centered in the vertebral body. Median age was 61 years. Pre-sLITT Bilsky score was 3 in 28%, 2 in 33%, and 1c in 37%. Radiotherapy was delivered in conjunction with sLITT for 80% of cases, including 68% that received stereotactic radiotherapy, at a median of 5 days after sLITT. Median follow-up was 9.1 months. One-year FFLF and OS was 80% and 78%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, variables independently associated with adverse FFLF included paraspinal/foraminal disease location (p = 0.001), and post-sLITT imaging Bilsky score of 2 (p = 0.073) or 3 (p = 0.011). Prior radiotherapy, technique of radiotherapy, and time between radiotherapy and sLITT were not associated with FFLF. CONCLUSION: sLITT with radiotherapy is an effective minimally invasive treatment approach for thoracic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression. Early treatment response may serve as a prognostic imaging biomarker.

Spinal cord perfusion is associated with microstructural damage in cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between spinal cord perfusion and microstructural damage in CSM patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty using MR dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) techniques. METHODS: A follow-up cohort study was conducted with 53 consecutively recruited CSM patients who had undergone cervical laminoplasty 12-14 months after the surgery from April 2016 to December 2016. Twenty-one aged-matched healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. For each patient, decompressed spinal cord levels were imaged on a 3.0-T MRI scanner by diffusion and DSC sequences to quantify the degrees of microstructural damage and perfusion conditions, respectively. The diffusion data were analyzed by DTI and NODDI models to produce diffusion metrics. Classic indicator dilution model was used to quantify the DSC metrics. Mann-Whitney U test was performed for comparison of diffusion metrics between patients and healthy controls. Pearson correlation was used to explore the associations between the metrics of spinal cord perfusion and microstructural damage. RESULTS: DTI metrics, neurite density, and isotropic volume fraction had significant differences between postoperative patients and healthy controls. Pearson correlation test showed that SCBV was significantly positively correlated with RD, MD, and ODI, and negatively correlated with FA and NDI. SCBF was found to be significantly positively correlated with RD and MD, and negatively correlated with FA. CONCLUSIONS: Increased spinal cord perfusion quantified by DSC is associated with microstructural damage assessed by diffusion MRI in CSM patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study found that the spinal cord perfusion is associated with microstructural damage in postoperative cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients, indicating that high perfusion may play a role in the pathophysiological process of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and deserves more attention. KEY POINTS: • Spinal cord microstructural damage can be persistent despite the compression had been relieved 12-14 months after the cervical laminoplasty in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients. • Spinal cord perfusion is associated with microstructural damage in CSM patients after the cervical laminoplasty. • Inflammation in the decompressed spinal cord may be a cause of increased perfusion and is associated with microstructural damage during the recovery period of CSM.

Predictive value of intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound in functional recovery of non-traumatic cervical spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the ability of intraoperative CEUS to predict neurological recovery in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). METHODS: Twenty-six patients with DCM who underwent laminoplasty and intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) were included in this prospective study. The modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scores and MRI were assessed before surgery and 12 months postoperatively. The anteroposterior diameter (APD), maximum spinal cord compression (MSCC), and area of signal changes in the cord at the compressed and normal levels were measured and compared using MRI and IOUS. Conventional blood flow and CEUS indices (time to peak, ascending slope, peak intensity (PI), and area under the curve (AUC)) at different levels during IOUS were calculated and analysed. Correlations between all indicators and the neurological recovery rate were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients underwent IOUS and intraoperative CEUS, and the total recovery rate was 50.7 ± 33.3%. APD and MSCC improved significantly (p < 0.01). The recovery rate of the hyperechoic lesion group was significantly worse than that of the isoechoic group (p = 0.016). 22 patients were analysed by contrast analysis software. PI was higher in the compressed zone than in the normal zone (24.58 ± 3.19 versus 22.43 ± 2.39, p = 0.019). ΔPI compress-normal and ΔAUC compress-normal of the hyperechoic lesion group were significantly higher than those of the isoechoic group (median 2.19 versus 0.55, p = 0.017; 135.7 versus 21.54, p = 0.014, respectively), and both indices were moderately negatively correlated with the recovery rate (r = - 0.463, p = 0.030; r = - 0.466, p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Signal changes and microvascular perfusion evaluated using CEUS during surgery are valuable predictors of cervical myelopathy prognosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In the spinal cord compression area of degenerative cervical myelopathy, especially in the hyperechoic lesions, intraoperative CEUS showed more significant contrast agent perfusion than in the normal area, and the degree was negatively correlated with the neurological prognosis. KEY POINTS: • Recovery rates in patients with hyperechoic findings were lower than those of patients without lesions detected during intraoperative ultrasound. • The peak intensity of CEUS was higher in compressed zones than in the normal parts of the spinal cord. • Quantitative CEUS comparisons of the peak intensity and area under the curve at the compressed and normal levels of the spinal cord revealed differences that were inversely correlated to the recovery rate.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma presenting with spinal cord compression: A population-based analysis of the NHL-BFM study group.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord compression is a rare presentation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in children. We aimed to describe the prevalence, histological subtypes, clinical presentation, therapy, and outcome of those children in a population-based cohort. The chemotherapy regimen remained comparable over time. METHODS: We retrospectively identified all children and adolescents with paresis as initial manifestations of the NHL between January 1990 and December 2020 from the NHL-BFM database. Characteristics, therapy, and outcome data were gathered from the database and patient files. RESULTS: Fifty-seven of 4779 children (1.2%) presented with initial paresis due to spinal cord compression. The median age was 10.3 years (range, 3.1-18.0 years), and 33% were female. Initial symptoms were paresis/weakness (n = 50, 88%), back pain (n = 33, 58%), paresthesia (n = 23, 40%), and bladder dysfunction and/or constipation (n = 22, 39%), persisting for a median of 14 days before diagnosis. Subtype distribution was mature B-NHL (n = 41, 72%), precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) (n = 12, 21%), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) (n = 3, 5%), and T-LBL (n = 1, 2%). Initial emergency therapy included surgery (70%) and/or chemotherapy/steroids (63%). Five-year event-free survival and overall survival (80% ± 5% and 82% ± 5%, respectively) were comparable with all other NHL patients. Neurological symptoms persisted in approximately one-third of surviving patients at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: 1.2% of pediatric NHL patients presented with paresis from spinal cord compression mainly due to B-cell lymphomas. Neurological sequelae were observed in one-third of surviving patients.

Emergency radiation therapy in modern-day practice: Now or never, or never again ?

Radiation therapy plays a fundamental role in oncological emergencies such as superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) and metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC). These are two examples of critical complications of metastatic cancer in terms of pain and functional impact (respiratory and/or neurological). The aim of this review is to explore the current indications, treatment options and outcomes for emergency radiotherapy regarding to these complications.Regarding SVCS, studies are mostly retrospective and unanimously demonstrated a beneficial effect of radiotherapy on symptom relief. Spinal cord compression remains an indication for urgent radiotherapy, and should be combined with surgery when possible. The innovative stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) showed promising results, however this technique requires small volumes and more time preparation and therefore is often unsuitable for SVCS and MESCC emergencies.This review concluded that radiotherapy has a central role to play within a multimodal approach for SVCS and MESCC treatment. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of radiation and establish the criteria for selecting patients to benefit from this treatment option.

Database Review of 514 Patients with Os Odontoideum. Detailed Analysis of 258 Surgically Treated (1978-2019).

OBJECTIVE: Database review (1978-2019) is to identify the cause of os odontoideum, its presentation, associated abnormalities, and management recommendations. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Review of referral database of 514 patients and 258 surgically treated patients ages 4-64 years. Detailed history of early childhood trauma and initial encounter record retrieval were made. Patients had dynamic motion radiographs, dynamic motion MRI and also CT to identify pathology and reducibility of craniocervical instability. Preoperative crown halo traction was made before the year 2000 except in children. Intraoperative traction with O-arm/CT documentation was made since 2001. Reducible and partially reducible cases underwent halo traction under general anesthesia distraction, dorsal stabilization, and rib graft augmentation for fusion. Later semi-rigid instrumentation and subsequently rigid instrumentation was made. Irreducible compression of cervicomedullary junction was treated with ventral decompression. The follow up was 3-20 years. RESULTS: Database; acute worsening after trauma 262, insidious neurological deficit 252. Minimal/normal motion with neurological deficit was present in 18, previous C1-C2 fusion with worsening in 18. 28 patients of 64 without treatment worsened in 4 years. An intact odontoid process was seen in 52 children of 156 who had early craniovertebral junction trauma and later developed os odontoideum. SURGICAL EXPERIENCE: There were 174 patients with reducible lesions and partially reducible were 22. Irreducible lesions were 62. Of the reducible, 50 underwent transarticular C1-C2 fusion, 26 C1 lateral mass, and C2 pars screw fixation. 182 had occipitocervical fusion (19 had extension of previous C1-C2 fusion and 43 after transoral decompression). 62 with irreducible ventral compression of the cervicomedullary junction underwent transoral decompression; 43 had a trapped transverse ligament between the os and C2 body and 19 previous C1-C2 fusions. Compression was by the axis body, os odontoideum, and the posterior C2 arch. Syndromic and skeletal/connective tissue abnormalities were found in 86 (36%). COMPLICATIONS: 2 patients worsened, age 10 and 62, due to failure of semi-rigid construct. CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of os odontoideum is multifactorial considering the associated abnormalities, reports of congenital-familiar occurrence, and early childhood craniovertebral trauma which also plays a role in the etiology. Patients with reducible lesions require stabilization. Asymptomatic patients are at risk for later instability. Patients who underwent childhood C1-C2 fusion must be followed for later problems. The irreducibility was seen due to trapped transverse ligament, pannus, or previous dorsal C1-C2 fusion.

Spinal cord schistosomiasis in a 6-year-old child with complete recovery after spine surgery and medical treatment: case report and discussion.

Spinal cord schistosomiasis is a rare and severe form of schistosomiasis. The prognosis is largely conditioned by early diagnosis and treatment. The authors present a case of spinal cord schistosomiasis complicated by spinal cord compression syndrome. This is the case of a 6-year-old patient who presented with febrile gastroenteritis followed by complete paralysis of both lower limbs of sudden onset following a brief stay in a village setting with notion of multiple baths at a stream. Spinal cord MRI revealed an enlarged spinal cord spanning D10 to D12 with heterogeneous contrast enhancement and a syrinx cavity above the lesion. Biological workup revealed an inflammatory syndrome. Treatment consisted of decompressive laminectomy with biopsy of the lesion and a syringo-subarachnoid shunt. Pathological analysis revealed fragments of central nervous system tissues with an infiltrate composed of lymphocytes, plasmocytes, and macrophages producing granulomatous foci lined with areas of necrosis in addition to a large contingent of polynuclear eosinophils, agglutinating around or covering in some places elongated ovoid structures, with relatively thick eosinophilic shells and presenting a terminal spur. Adjuvant treatment consisted of praziquantel and corticotherapy for 1 month. The evolution showed marked improvement in the neurological deficits. She now walks unassisted and has good sphincter control. Spinal cord schistosomiasis is rare in our context; its diagnosis is difficult. The treatment is both medical and surgical.

Pediatric paravertebral tumors: analysis of 96 patients.

PURPOSE: The most important complication of paravertebral tumors is cord compression (CC), which is an oncologic emergency. Early and appropriate intervention is important in terms of reducing morbidity and mortality. Here, we report our clinical experience with paravertebral tumors. METHODS: The files of patients who were followed up for benign/malignant paravertebral tumors between 1988 and 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 96 patients with paravertebral tumors. The median age at diagnosis was 5 years (1 month-17 years). The male/female ratio was 1.13. The median time to diagnosis was 4 weeks (0-28 weeks). The most common presenting complaint was pain (62.5%). The diagnosis distribution was as follows: sympathetic nervous system (SNS) tumors (n: 38), soft tissue sarcomas (STS) (n: 23), Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) (n: 12), central nervous system (CNS) tumors (n: 9), germ cell tumor (n: 6), lymphomas (n: 4), and benign tumors (n: 4). Sixty-five patients (67.7%) had CC, 40% of whom received chemotherapy as first-line treatment. Decompression surgery was performed in 58.5% of the patients. For patients with CC, 26 patients had advanced disease at admission. Serious neurologic sequelae were observed in seventeen (17.7%) patients. CONCLUSION: Pain and neurological findings in childhood are warning signs for paravertebral tumors and CC. A detailed neurologic examination and radiodiagnostic imaging should be performed, and a definitive diagnosis should be made quickly. Anticancer treatment should be planned multidisciplinary. Decompression surgery should be discussed for patients with severe neurological deficits. Childhood cancers are chemosensitive; if possible, treatment should be initiated with chemotherapy to avoid neurological sequelae.

Analysis of the efficacy of separation surgery for severe neurological compression in multiple myeloma: a retrospective analysis of 35 cases.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of separation surgery for Epidural Spinal Cord Compression (ESCC) graded ≥ 2 in patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM), analyze factors influencing surgical outcomes, and develop a preliminary treatment decision framework for these patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 35 MM patients who underwent separation surgery for ESCC graded ≥ 2 between 2013 and 2018. Patient data, including baseline information, surgical details, complications, and pre-operative as well as one-month post-operative efficacy evaluation indicators were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed on pre-operative and post-operative efficacy indicators to determine if there were significant improvements (p < 0.05). Ordered logistic regression was utilized to assess factors associated with an unfavorable post-operative quality of life outcome. RESULTS: Compared to pre-operative values, at one-month post-surgery, patients showed significant improvements in Frankel Score Classification (4 vs 5, p < 0.05), Karnofsky Performance Score (30 vs 70, p < 0.05), and Visual Analogue Scale (8 vs 3, p < 0.05). Complications occurred in 7 cases (20%). The number of segments with ESCC (OR = 0.171, p < 0.05) and pre-operative chemotherapy (OR = 5.202, p = 0.05) were identified as independent factors influencing patient outcomes. Patients with more than two vertebral segments with ESCC exhibited significantly worse post-operative conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Separation surgery effectively alleviates pain, improves neurological function, and enhances the quality of life in patients with ESCC graded ≥ 2 due to MM.

Preliminarily exploring the intraoperative ultrasonography characteristics of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy.

BACKGROUND: How to quickly read and interpret intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) images of patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) to obtain meaningful information? Few studies have systematically explored this topic. PURPOSE: To systematically and comprehensively explore the IOUS characteristics of patients with DCM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center study retrospectively included patients with DCM who underwent French-door laminoplasty (FDL) with IOUS guidance from October 2019 to March 2022. One-way ANOVA and Pearson's /Spearman's correlation analysis were used to analyze the correlations between the cross-sectional area of the spinal cord (SC) and individual characteristics; the relationships between the morphology, echogenicity, pulsation, decompression statuses, compression types of SC, location of the spinal cord central echo complex (SCCEC) and the disease severity (the preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association score, preJOA score); the difference of the spinal cord pulsation amplitude(SCPA) and the SCCEC forward movement rate (FMR) between the compressed areas(CAs) and the non-compressed areas (NCAs). RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were successfully enrolled (30 males and 8 females), and the mean age was 57.05 ± 10.29 (27-75) years. The cross-sectional area of the SC was negatively correlated with age (r = - 0.441, p = 0.006). The preJOA score was significantly lower in the heterogeneous group than in the homogeneous group (P < 0.05, p = 0.005). The hyperechoic area (HEA) was negatively while the SCCEC FMR was positively correlated with the preJOA score (r = - 0.334, p = 0.020; r = 0.286, p = 0.041). The SCCEC FMR and SCPA in CAs were significantly greater than those in NCAs (p < 0.05, p = 0.007; P < 0.001, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The cross-sectional area of the SC decreases with age in adults. More changes in intramedullary echogenicity and less moving forward of the SCCEC often indicate poor SC status, and the SCCEC FMR and SCPA are more pronounced in CAs.

Hirayama's disease associated with cervical deformity and spinal cord compression: a case report from Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Hirayama's disease (HD) is most common in young males, and previous studies are predominantly from Asian countries. The cause of HD is unknown but the most common theory about the pathology speculates on forward bending that causes a compression of the dura mater and the anterior horn of the spinal cord against the vertebra during an overstretch flexion that may result in myelopathy. Both anterior and posterior cervical surgical approaches have been shown to be effective in stopping the disease and improving function; however, HD is also reported to be a self-limited disease, and treatment with a cervical collar may be an alternative for these patients. CASE REPORT: We report HD in a 17-year-old male from Sweden who underwent surgical treatment with a 2 level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) due to neurological progression from HD after conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: HD is rare and is easily overlooked. Surgical intervention shows promising results for neurological progression, but HD is also reported to be a self-limited disease.

Post-operative complications affect survival in surgically treated metastatic spinal cord compression.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is increasing globally due to advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Whilst surgery can benefit specific patients, the complication rate can reach up to 34%, with limited reporting on their impact in the literature. This study aims to analyse the influence of major complications on the survival of surgically treated MESCC patients. METHODS: Consecutive MESCC patients undergoing surgery and meeting inclusion criteria were selected. Survival duration from decompressive surgery to death was recorded. Perioperative factors influencing survival were documented and analysed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis at one year compared these factors. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed. Additionally, univariate analysis compared complicated and uncomplicated groups. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were analysed. Median survival for this cohort was 229 days (95% CI 174-365). Surgical complications, low patient performance, and rapid primary tumour growth were significant perioperative variables for survival in multivariate analyses (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, and p = 0.02, respectively) with a hazard ratio of 3.2, 3.6, and 2.1, respectively. Univariate analysis showed no variables associated with complication occurrence. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, major surgical complications, patient performance, and primary tumour growth rate were found to be independent factors affecting one year survival. Thus, prioritizing complication prevention and appropriate patient selection is crucial for optimizing survival in this population.

The Efficacy of a Multidisciplinary Approach and Diagnostic-Therapeutic Algorithm for Vertebral Metastases with Spinal Cord Compression.

Background and Objectives: Metastatic spinal cord compression represents a substantial risk to patients, given its potential for spinal cord and/or nerve root compression, which can result in severe morbidity. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm developed at our hospital to mitigate the devastating consequences of spinal cord compression in patients with vertebral metastases. Materials and Methods: The algorithm, implemented in our practice in January 2022, is based on collective clinical experience and involves collaboration between emergency room physicians, oncologists, spine surgeons, neuroradiologists, radiation oncologists, and oncologists. To minimize potential confounding effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, data from the years 2019 and 2021 (pre-protocol) were collected and compared with data from the years 2022 and 2023 (post-protocol), excluding the year 2020. Results: From January 2022 to December 2023, 488 oncological patients were assessed, with 45 presenting with urgency due to suspected spinal cord compression. Out of these, 44 patients underwent surgical procedures, with 25 performed in emergency settings and 19 cases in elective settings. Comparatively, in 2019 and 2021, 419 oncological patients were evaluated, with 28 presenting with urgency for suspected spinal cord compression. Of these, 17 underwent surgical procedures, with 10 performed in emergency scenarios and 7 in elective scenarios. Comparing the pre-protocol period (years 2019 and 2021) to the post-protocol period (years 2022 and 2023), intrahospital consultations (commonly patients neurologically compromised) for spine metastasis decreased (105 vs. 82), while outpatient consultations increased remarkably (59 vs. 124). Discussion: Accurate interpretation of symptoms within the context of metastatic involvement is crucial for patients with a history of malignancy, whether presenting in the emergency room or oncology department. Even in the absence of a cancer history, careful interpretation of pain characteristics and clinical signs is crucial for diagnosing vertebral metastasis with incipient or current spinal cord compression. Early surgical or radiation intervention is emphasized as it provides the best chance to prevent deficits or improve neurological status. Preliminary findings suggest a notable increase in both the number of patients diagnosed with suspected spinal cord compression and the proportion undergoing surgical intervention following the implementation of the multidisciplinary protocol. The reduced number of intrahospital consultations (commonly patients neurologically compromised) and the increased number of visits of outpatients with vertebral metastases indicate a heightened awareness of the issue, leading to earlier identification and intervention before neurological worsening necessitating hospitalization. Conclusions: A comprehensive treatment planning approach is essential, and our multidisciplinary algorithm is a valuable tool for optimizing patient outcomes. The protocol shows potential in improving timely management of spinal cord compression in oncological patients. Further analysis of the factors driving these changes is warranted. Limitations: This study has limitations, including potential biases from the retrospective nature of data collection and the exclusion of 2020 data due to COVID-19 impact. To enhance the robustness of our results, long-term studies are required. Moreover, the single-center study design may limit the validity of the findings. Further multicenter studies would be beneficial for validating our results and exploring underlying factors in detail.

GPR55 contributes to neutrophil recruitment and mechanical pain induction after spinal cord compression in mice.

Pain transmission and processing in the nervous system are modulated by various biologically active substances, including lysophospholipids, through direct and indirect actions on the somatosensory pathway. Lysophosphatidylglucoside (LysoPtdGlc) was recently identified as a structurally unique lysophospholipid that exerts biological actions via the G protein-coupled receptor GPR55. Here, we demonstrated that GPR55-knockout (KO) mice show impaired induction of mechanical pain hypersensitivity in a model of spinal cord compression (SCC) without the same change in the models of peripheral tissue inflammation and peripheral nerve injury. Among these models, only SCC recruited peripheral inflammatory cells (neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and CD3+ T-cells) in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH), and GPR55-KO blunted these recruitments. Neutrophils were the first cells recruited to the SDH, and their depletion suppressed the induction of SCC-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and inflammatory responses in compressed SDH. Furthermore, we found that PtdGlc was present in the SDH and that intrathecal administration of an inhibitor of secretory phospholipase A2 (an enzyme required for producing LysoPtdGlc from PtdGlc) reduced neutrophil recruitment to compressed SDH and suppressed pain induction. Finally, by screening compounds from a chemical library, we identified auranofin as a clinically used drug with an inhibitory effect on mouse and human GPR55. Systemically administered auranofin to mice with SCC effectively suppressed spinal neutrophil infiltration and pain hypersensitivity. These results suggest that GPR55 signaling contributes to the induction of inflammatory responses and chronic pain after SCC via the recruitment of neutrophils and may provide a new target for reducing pain induction after spinal cord compression, such as spinal canal stenosis.

Interim analysis of patient-reported outcome compliance and dosimetry in a phase 3 randomized clinical trial of oesophagus-sparing spinal radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The randomized clinical trial ESO-SPARE investigates if oesophagus-sparing radiotherapy (RT) can reduce dysphagia in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). Patient-reported outcome (PRO) is the only follow-up measure. Due to the fragile patient population, low respondent compliance was anticipated. We performed a planned interim analysis of dosimetry and respondent compliance, to ensure that the protocol requirements were met. METHODS: Patients >18 years referred for cervical/thoracic MSCC radiotherapy in 1-10 fractions were included from two centres. Patients were randomized (1:1) to standard RT or oesophagus-sparing RT, where predefined oesophageal dose constraints were prioritized over target coverage. Patients completed a trial diary with daily reports of dysphagia for 5 weeks (PRO-CTC-AE) and weekly quality of life reports for 9 weeks (QLQ-C30, EQ-5D-5L). According to power calculation, 124 patients are needed for primary endpoint analysis. The sample size was inflated to 200 patients to account for the fragile patient population. The co-primary endpoints, peak patient-reported dysphagia, and preserved ability to walk (EQ-5D-5L), are analysed at 5 and 9 weeks, respectively. The interim analysis was conducted 90 days after the inclusion of patient no 100. Respondent compliance was assessed at 5 and 9 weeks. In all RT plans, oesophagus and target doses were evaluated regarding adherence to protocol constraints. RESULTS: From May 2021 to November 2022, 100 patients were included. Fifty-two were randomized to oesophagus-sparing RT. In 23% of these plans, oesophagus constraints were violated. Overall, the dose to both target and oesophagus was significantly lower in the oesophagus-sparing plans. Only 51% and 41% of the patients were evaluable for co-primary endpoint analysis at five and nine weeks, respectively. Mortality and hospitalization rates were significantly larger in patients who completed <4 days PRO questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Compliance was lower than anticipated and interventions to maintain study power are needed.

Quality of life in patients with malignant spinal cord compression: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) is an oncological emergency that may result in a devastating combination of malignancy and disability. Existing quality of life (QoL) questionnaires commonly used in MSCC literature (EORTC QLQ-C30, BM-22, Brief Pain Inventory, and Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes) may not capture all the commonly reported symptoms and lack specificity to MSCC. The primary objective of this systematic review is to determine unmet patient needs and underreported QoL issues and compile a comprehensive list of QoL issues. The secondary objective of this review is to compile all existing QoL tools and questionnaires and determine whether any QoL issues are not addressed in the existing tools currently used in the literature. METHODS: A literature search was conducted on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases between 1946 and February 6, 2023, to compile all QoL issues and existing questionnaires used to assess QoL in patients with MSCC. All study designs were included given that they discussed QoL issues specific to patients with MSCC. RESULTS: The results of this systematic review identified the most frequently discussed QoL issues in the literature studying MSCC. This included direct symptoms of MSCC such as back pain, paralysis, limb weakness/numbness, and urinary/bowel incontinence. Indirect symptoms coming from radiotherapy treatment such as dysphagia, painful swallowing, mouth pain, dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea/vomiting were also noted. Other symptoms resulting from corticosteroid treatment included difficulty sleeping, blurring of vision, weight gain, and mood disturbance. Patients also experienced psychosocial issues such as anxiety, depression, emotional distress, low self-esteem, concerns about dependence on others, concerns about getting home, and fear about their prognosis and future. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the QoL issues specific to patients with MSCC and QoL tools capturing these issues. Relevance of QoL issues identified in this systematic review must be prospectively validated by patients and healthcare professionals with experience in treating MSCC.

The efficacy of laser interstitial thermal therapy in the management of spinal metastases: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: In the last years, laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has started to be used also in neurosurgical setting. Its efficacy for intracranial pathologies, namely, tumors and epilepsy, has been widely demonstrated. However, the literature evidences about the use of LITT for spinal lesions are recent, and it is still a topic of discussion regarding its efficacy. Here, the authors sought to present a systematic review of the literature investigating the utility of LITT for spinal lesions. METHODS: Using PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, the authors performed a systematic review of the literature focused on the use of spinal laser interstitial thermal therapy (sLITT). Included in the search were randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and clinical series. Two independent reviewers conducted the study appraisal, data abstraction, and quality assessments of the studies. RESULTS: Out of the initial 134 studies, 6 met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, resulting in a total of 206 patients. All the patients have been treated with sLITT for compressive spinal metastases. Most of the lesions were thoracic (88.8%). All the studies reported an effective local control of the disease with a reduction of epidural compression at 30 days. Complication rate was 12.6%, but most of them were transient conditions, and only 3.4% patients needed a revision surgery. CONCLUSION: sLITT is safe and provides effective local control for epidural compression from metastases, particularly in the thoracic spine. The authors propose considering sLITT as an alternative to open surgery in selected patients with spinal metastases.

Reevaluating age restrictions of spinal metastasis surgery in elderly groups with over 2-year follow-up.

This study aimed to compare and assess clinical outcomes of spinal metastasis with epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) in patients aged 65-79 years and ≥ 80 years with an acute onset of neurological illness who underwent laminectomy. A second goal was to determine morbidity rates and potential risk factors for mortality. This retrospective review of electronic medical records at a single institution was conducted between September 2005 and December 2020. Data on patient demographics, surgical characteristics, complications, hospital clinical course, and 90-day mortality were also collected. Comorbidities were assessed using the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). A total of 99 patients with an overall mean age of 76.2 ± 3.4 years diagnosed with MESCC within a 16-year period, of which 65 patients aged 65-79 years and 34 patients aged 80 years and older were enrolled in the study. Patients aged 80 and over had higher age-adjusted CCI (9.2 ± 2.1) compared to those aged 65-79 (5.1 ± 1.6; p < 0.001). Prostate cancer was the primary cause of spinal metastasis. Significant neurological and functional decline was more pronounced in the older group, evidenced by Karnofsky Performance Index (KPI) scores (80+ years: 47.8% ± 19.5; 65-79 years: 69.0% ± 23.9; p < 0.001). Despite requiring shorter decompression duration (148.8 ± 62.5 min vs. 199.4 ± 78.9 min; p = 0.004), the older group had more spinal levels needing decompression. Median survival time was 14.1 ± 4.3 months. Mortality risk factors included deteriorating functional status and comorbidities, but not motor weakness, surgical duration, extension of surgery, hospital or ICU stay, or complications. Overcoming age barriers in elderly surgical treatment in MSCC patients can reduce procedural delays and has the potential to significantly improve patient functionality. It emphasizes that age should not be a deterrent for spine surgery when medically necessary, although older MESCC patients may have reduced survival.

Malignant spinal cord compression in the paediatric population-a systematic review, meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) has been noted in 3-5% of children with primary tumours. MSCC can be associated with permanent neurological deficits and prompt treatment is necessary. Our aim was to perform a systematic review on MSCC in children < 18 years to help formulate national guidelines. METHODS: A systematic review of the English language was undertaken using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Search criteria included 'MSCC in children, paediatric and metastases' for papers published between January1999 and December 2022. Isolated case reports/case series with < 10 patients were excluded. RESULTS: From a total of 17 articles identified, a final 7 were analysed (Level III/IV). Neuroblastoma constituted the most common cause for MSCC in children (62.7%) followed by sarcoma (14.2%). Soft tissue sarcomas were the most frequent cause of MSCC in children > 5 years old, while for neuroblastomas, the mean age of presentation was 20 months. The median age at time of diagnosis for the entire cohort of patients was 50.9 months (14.8-139). The median follow-up duration was 50.7 months (0.5-204). Motor deficits were the presenting symptom in 95.6% of children followed by pain in 65.4% and sphincter disturbance in 24%. There was a delay of about 26.05 days (7-600) between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. A multimodality approach to treatment was utilised depending on the primary tumour. The prognosis for neurological recovery was found to be inversely proportional to the degree of neurological deficits and duration of symptoms in four studies. CONCLUSION: Neuroblastoma is the most common cause for MSCC in children (62.7%) followed by sarcoma (14.2%), whilst soft tissue sarcomas constituted the most frequent cause of MSCC in children > 5 years old. The majority of patients presented with motor deficit, followed by pain. In children with neuroblastoma /lymphoma, chemotherapy was the primary treatment. Early surgery should be a consideration with rapid deterioration of neurology despite chemotherapy. A multimodality approach including chemo-radiotherapy and surgery should be the treatment of choice in metastatic sarcomas. It is worth noting that multi-level laminectomy/decompression and asymmetrical radiation to the spine can lead to spinal column deformity in the future.