Manejo actual de las metástasis vertebrales: un trabajo en equipo / Current management of vertebral metastases: teamwork

La enfermedad metastásica vertebral es frecuente en los pacientes con cáncer avanzado, y conlleva a complicaciones inherentes a su progresión, como lo son la fractura patológica vertebral y la compresión neural metastásica. Se realizó una revisión de los aspectos terapéuticos actuales del manejo de la progresión y de las complicaciones de la enfermedad metastásica vertebral, enfatizando su enfrentamiento sistémico y personalizado. Nuestro objetivo principal es proporcionar información sobre el tratamiento actual de esta afección y la utilidad del manejo sistémico y multidisciplinario.

Metastatic spinal disease is common in patients with advanced cancer, and leads to complications inherent in its progression, such as pathological vertebral fracture and metastatic neural compression. A review of the current therapeutic aspects regarding the progression and complications of metastatic spinal disease was performed, highlighting its systemic, personalized approach. Our aim is to provide information about the current treatment of this condition and the usefulness of its systemic and multidisciplinary management.

Enfermedad metastásica de la columna vertebral / Metastatic spine disease

Siendo el cáncer la segunda causa de muerte en el mundo, las metástasis óseas son su tercera localización más frecuente, junto con la columna vertebral, ocupando el 65% de ellas. Lo anterior, sumado a una población envejeciendo y un abismante progreso en los tratamientos de quimio, radio y hormonoterapia, junto con técnicas quirúrgicas cada vez menos invasivas exige abordar este tema. Se realiza una revisión narrativa, con la literatura actual y consensos internacionales en el área, describiendo los factores que generan las metástasis vertebrales, sus síntomas de alarma (dolor y compromiso neurológico), métodos de estudio y diagnóstico (Rx, TAC, RMN, cintigrama óseo, Pet CT, biopsia) y método de clasificación de la compresión medular. Además, se revisan diferentes tipos de puntuación para la toma de decisión quirúrgica y se exponen las técnicas más modernas de tratamiento combinado de cirugía separación más radioterapia esterotáctica que ofrecen menor invasión al paciente con mejores resultados de control local de la enfermedad.

Being cancer the second cause of death in the world, bone metastases are its third most frequent location, along with the spine, occupying 65% of them. The aforementioned, added to an aging population and an abysmal progress in the treatments of Chemo, Radio and Hormone therapy, together with increasingly less invasive surgical techniques requires addressing this issue. A narrative review is carried out, with current literature and international consensus in the area, describing the factors that generate vertebral metastases, their alarm symptoms (pain and neurological compromise), study and diagnostic methods (Rx, CT Scan, MRI, Bone Scan, PET CT, needle Biopsy) and method of classification of spinal compression. In addition, different types of punctuation for surgical decision making are revised and the newer combine treatment with less invasive surgery plus Sterotactic High dose radiation is presented as the todaýs gold standard for the best local control for the Metastatic Spine Disease.

Tumores primarios de la columna vertebral: sospecha, lineamientos terapéuticos y nuevas tecnologías / Primary tumors of the spine: suspicion, therapeutic guidelines and new technologies

Los tumores de la columna vertebral son de muy rara ocurrencia, la difícil anatomía de la columna vertebral y su íntima relación con estructuras neurales hacen que la cirugía de resección sea muy compleja. Un diagnóstico tardío, una mala planificación de la biopsia y una técnica quirúrgica poco especializada pueden tener un impacto muy negativo e irreversible en la calidad de vida y en la sobrevida del paciente. En este trabajo abordaremos los principios del estudio y tratamiento de los tumores primarios de la columna.

Spinal tumors are very rare, the difficult anatomy of the spine and their intimate relation with neural structures make resection surgery very complex. A late diagnosis, poor planning of the biopsy and an unskilled surgical technique can have a very negative and irreversible impact on the quality of life and the patient's survival. In this work we will address the principles of the study and treatment of primary tumors of the spine.

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) expression in chordoma and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) predicts prognosis of spinal chordoma.

PURPOSE: Chordoma is a rare tumor of the skeletal system that is characterized by a high recurrence rate and treatment resistance. Given the common finding of immune dysregulation in chordoma, immunotherapy has emerged as potential treatment option. As an important immune checkpoint regulator, we evaluated cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) expression and its prognostic significance for patients with chordoma of the spine. METHODS: CTLA-4 expression was analyzed immunohistochemically in 32 chordoma tissues and 14 nucleus pulposus tissues to examine the specificity of CTLA-4 expression in chordoma. Univariate log-rank analysis was used to evaluate the association of CTLA-4 expression in tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) with survival. Cox multivariate analysis was used to identify independent factors of survival. RESULTS: Positive CTLA-4 expression was observed in all of the TILs and tumor cell cytoplasm, and partial in the membrane or in both the membrane and nucleus, with a markedly higher positivity rate than that observed in normal nucleus tissues. Higher CTLA-4 expression in the tumor but not in TILs was significantly associated with shorter continuous disease-free survival (CDFS) and overall survival (OS). CTLA-4 expression in tumor cells and TILs were independent predictors for CDFS, whereas only tumor cell expression was a significant predictor of OS. Furthermore, the combination of CTLA-4 expression in the tumor and TILs had higher prognostic value. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting CTLA-4 may be a potential novel therapeutic strategy for chordoma patients.

Spinal tumors in children.

INTRODUCTION:: Spinal tumors are rare in the pediatric population, presenting many specific peculiarities when compared to adults. We have performed a broad narrative review to describe the most common spinal tumors in children, discussing their main characteristics and management options. METHOD:: The authors have performed an extensive review of the peer-reviewed literature addressing the aforementioned objectives. RESULTS:: Multimodality radiological studies (plain films, 3D computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging) are necessary for proper evaluation and differential diagnosis of spinal tumors in children. In selected cases nuclear medicine imaging is used to improve the chances of a more accurate diagnosis. As a general rule, a fine needle biopsy is recommended after radiological evaluation to confirm the tumor's histology. Primary bone tumors can be divided into benign bone tumors, mostly represented by vertebral hemangiomas, osteoid osteomas, osteoblastomas, aneurismal bone cysts, and eosinophilic granulomas, and malign or aggressive tumors, such as Ewing's or osteogenic sarcomas. Secondary bone tumors (spinal metastases) comprise different tumor histologies, and treatment is mainly based on tumor's radiosensitivity. The characteristics and treatment options of the main spinal tumors are discussed in details. CONCLUSION:: Spinal tumors in children are rare lesions that demand a thorough understanding of their main characteristics for their proper management. Understanding the nuances of spinal tumors in children is of paramount importance for improving outcomes and chances of cure.

Spinal tumors in children / Tumores de coluna em crianças

Summary Introduction: Spinal tumors are rare in the pediatric population, presenting many specific peculiarities when compared to adults. We have performed a broad narrative review to describe the most common spinal tumors in children, discussing their main characteristics and management options. Method: The authors have performed an extensive review of the peer-reviewed literature addressing the aforementioned objectives. Results: Multimodality radiological studies (plain films, 3D computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging) are necessary for proper evaluation and differential diagnosis of spinal tumors in children. In selected cases nuclear medicine imaging is used to improve the chances of a more accurate diagnosis. As a general rule, a fine needle biopsy is recommended after radiological evaluation to confirm the tumor's histology. Primary bone tumors can be divided into benign bone tumors, mostly represented by vertebral hemangiomas, osteoid osteomas, osteoblastomas, aneurismal bone cysts, and eosinophilic granulomas, and malign or aggressive tumors, such as Ewing's or osteogenic sarcomas. Secondary bone tumors (spinal metastases) comprise different tumor histologies, and treatment is mainly based on tumor's radiosensitivity. The characteristics and treatment options of the main spinal tumors are discussed in details. Conclusion: Spinal tumors in children are rare lesions that demand a thorough understanding of their main characteristics for their proper management. Understanding the nuances of spinal tumors in children is of paramount importance for improving outcomes and chances of cure.

Resumo Introdução: Os tumores de coluna em crianças são raros, apresentando peculiaridades únicas quando comparados com os da população adulta. Método: Dada a escassez de trabalhos que avaliem o tema, realizou-se extensa revisão de literatura objetivando descrever os tumores de coluna que acometem a população pediátrica, discutindo características e opções de manejo. Resultados: A utilização de exames radiológicos combinados (radiografias, tomografia computadorizada com reconstrução em 3D e ressonância magnética) é necessária para avaliação adequada e diagnóstico diferencial dessas lesões. Em casos selecionados, exames de medicina nuclear aumentam as chances do diagnóstico preciso. Como regra geral, biópsia por agulha é recomendada para confirmação da histologia tumoral e tratamento subsequente. As lesões primárias de coluna podem ser benignas, representadas principalmente pelos hemangiomas, osteomas osteoides, osteoblastomas, cistos ósseos aneurismáticos e granulomas eosinofílicos, enquanto as lesões malignas são geralmente representadas por tumores agressivos, como o sarcoma de Ewing ou os sarcomas osteogênicos. Metástases de coluna podem ter diferentes etiologias, sendo o tratamento dependente principalmente da radiossensibilidade do tumor de origem. As opções de tratamento dessas lesões são descritas em detalhes. Conclusão: Tumores de coluna em crianças são raros e o seu manejo requer um conhecimento amplo e variado das diferentes possibilidades diagnósticas. Conhecer os nuances envolvidos no tratamento dessas lesões e os sintomas iniciais é fundamental para melhorar o prognóstico e as chances de cura.

An update in the management of spinal metastases.

The best clinical treatment for spinal metastases requires an integrated approach with input from an interdisciplinary cancer team. The principle goals of treatment are maintenance or improvement in neurologic function and ambulation, spinal stability, durable tumor control, and pain relief. The past decade has witnessed an explosion of new technologies that have impacted our ability to reach these goals, such as separation surgery and minimally invasive spinal procedures. The biggest advance, however, has been the evolution of stereotactic radiosurgery that has demonstrated durable tumor control both when delivered as definitive therapy and as a postoperative adjuvant even for tumors considered markedly resistant to conventional external beam radiation. In this paper, we perform an update on the management of spinal metastases demonstrating the integration of these new technologies into a decision framework NOMS that assesses four basic aspects of a patient's spine disease: Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanical Instability and Systemic disease.

An update in the management of spinal metastases / Atualização no manejo das metástases na coluna vertebral

The best clinical treatment for spinal metastases requires an integrated approach with input from an interdisciplinary cancer team. The principle goals of treatment are maintenance or improvement in neurologic function and ambulation, spinal stability, durable tumor control, and pain relief. The past decade has witnessed an explosion of new technologies that have impacted our ability to reach these goals, such as separation surgery and minimally invasive spinal procedures. The biggest advance, however, has been the evolution of stereotactic radiosurgery that has demonstrated durable tumor control both when delivered as definitive therapy and as a postoperative adjuvant even for tumors considered markedly resistant to conventional external beam radiation. In this paper, we perform an update on the management of spinal metastases demonstrating the integration of these new technologies into a decision framework NOMS that assesses four basic aspects of a patient’s spine disease: Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanical Instability and Systemic disease.

O tratamento dos pacientes com metástases na coluna requer uma abordagem multidisciplinar por equipe especializada em oncologia. Os objetivos básicos do tratamento são a manutenção/ melhora da função neurológica com preservação da deambulação, manutenção da estabilidade da coluna, controle tumoral e alívio da dor. A última década testemunhou uma explosão de novas tecnologias que auxiliaram a atingir os objetivos terapêuticos, como a cirurgia de separação e procedimentos minimamente cirúrgicos minimamente invasivos. Contudo, o maior avanço terapêutico constitui-se do uso da radiocirurgia no tratamento das metástases de coluna, que possibilita bom controle local tanto como terapia definitiva ou no pós-operatório de tumores, mesmo os considerados radioresistentes à radioterapia convencional. No presente artigo, realizamos atualização do manejo das metástases de coluna, apresentando a integração das novas tecnologias em um algoritmo de decisão “NOMS” que inclui os quatros aspectos básicos dos pacientes com metástases na coluna:Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanical InstabilityeSystemic disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options of Spinal Metastases.

Cancer patients with spinal metastases are a diagnostic and treatment challenge for the clinician. This challenge must be addressed through a multidisciplinary, multimodal, and individualized management. The presence of tumor cells in bone metastases results in homeostatic disruption between bone formation and remodeling. Bone destruction is a late event in the formation of lytic bone metastasis, starting when tumor cells proliferate; this in turn activates osteoclasts, seen as trabecular destruction in imaging studies. There may be excessive bone destruction and increased bone formation, which produce blastic lesions. Bone scintigraphy is currently the most widely used diagnostic method and is considered as the reference test for the diagnosis of spinal bone metastasis. However, we believe that in the near future positron emission tomography associated to computed tomography with 18F-NaF, or magnetic resonance using diffusion-weighted whole-body imaging with background body signal suppression, will replace bone scintigraphy due to their improved diagnostic accuracy. These new diagnostic tools will help prevent bone metastasis complications such as: intractable pain; spinal cord or cauda equina compression; hypercalcemia; pathological fractures; and spinal instability. With regards to the treatment, it can be uni- or multimodal, depending on the type and number of bone metastases. Among the types of treatment available for bone metastasis are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and invasive procedures. The prognosis of patient survival depends on the histopathology of the primary tumor, the presence of bone metastasis, and the presence of neurological deficits.

Prognostic factors in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression secondary to lung cancer: a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: The Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) secondary to lung cancer (LC) has worse prognosis when compared to MSCC related to other solid tumors. The purpose of this study is to identify the survival time and the prognostic factors in the MSCC secondary to LC. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature has been carried out. Studies published between January 2005 and March 2015 were identified through the electronic database PubMed and LILACS. Two independent reviewers selected the articles. RESULTS: 7 studies were identified, which met the inclusion criteria, involving 1010 patients. The survival in 6 and 12 months ranged between 18 and 61%, and between 3.8 and 32%, respectively. The median survival ranged between 2.8 and 9 months. The variables related to the survival improvement were: female, performance status 1 or 2, pre-radiotherapy and postoperative ambulatory status, absence of bone metastases and visceral metastases, interval from cancer diagnosis to spinal metastases or radiotherapy of MSCC>15 months, slower (>7 days) development of motor deficit, and the neurological status at the postoperative. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of the MSCC secondary to LC was poor. Considering the small number of studies identified, further research is needed to identify prognostic factors that are independent of the MSCC secondary to LC.

Survival analysis in patients with metastatic spinal disease: the influence of surgery, histology, clinical and neurologic status.

UNLABELLED: Spine is the most common site for skeletal metastasis in patients with malignancy. Vertebral involvement quantification, neurological status, general health status and primary tumor histology are factors to set surgical planning and therapeutic targets. We evaluated the impact of general clinical and neurological status, histologic type and surgery in survival. METHOD: The study sample consisted of consecutive patients admitted from July 2010 to January 2013 for treatment. RESULTS: Sixty eight patients were evaluated. 23 were female and 45 were male. Main primary neoplasic sites were: breast, prostate, lung/pleura and linfoproliferative. Thirty three out of 68 received surgical treatment, 2 received percutaneous biopsy and 33 had nonsurgical treatment. SURVIVAL: Log Rank curves revealed no statistical significant difference according to histological type, surgical approach and Frankel Score. Karnofsky Score was statistically different. CONCLUSION: Histological type and clinical status were statistically associated with life expectancy in vertebral metastatic disease.

Survival analysis in patients with metastatic spinal disease: the influence of surgery, histology, clinical and neurologic status / Análise de sobrevida em pacientes com doença metastática espinhal: influência da cirurgia, histologia, status clínico e neurológico

Spine is the most common site for skeletal metastasis in patients with malignancy. Vertebral involvement quantification, neurological status, general health status and primary tumor histology are factors to set surgical planning and therapeutic targets. We evaluated the impact of general clinical and neurological status, histologic type and surgery in survival. Method : The study sample consisted of consecutive patients admitted from July 2010 to January 2013 for treatment. Results : Sixty eight patients were evaluated. 23 were female and 45 were male. Main primary neoplasic sites were: breast, prostate, lung/pleura and linfoproliferative. Thirty three out of 68 received surgical treatment, 2 received percutaneous biopsy and 33 had nonsurgical treatment. Survival : Log Rank curves revealed no statistical significant difference according to histological type, surgical approach and Frankel Score. Karnofsky Score was statistically different. Conclusion : Histological type and clinical status were statistically associated with life expectancy in vertebral metastatic disease. .

A coluna vertebral é o sítio mais comum de metastases ósseas. A quantificação do acometimento vertebral, o status neurológico, status clínico e histologia do tumor primário são fatores importantes para planejamento cirúrgico e metas terapêuticas. Nós avaliamos o impacto do status clinico geral e neurológico, tipo histológico e cirurgia na sobrevida de pacientes com metástases espinhais. Método : A amostra consistiu de pacientes consecutivamente admitidos de Julho de 2010 a Janeiro de 2013. Resultados : Sessenta e oito pacientes foram avaliados. 23 eram mulheres e 45 eram homens. Os principais sítios primários foram mama, próstata, pulmão e linfoproliferativos. Trinta e três realizaram tratamento cirúrgico, 2 realizaram biópsia percutânea e 33 tiveram tratamento conservador e radioterapia. Conclusão As curvas Log Rank não revelaram significância quanto à cirurgia e escore de Frankel, mas revelaram associação com Karnofsky e tipo histológico. .

Langerhans cell sarcoma: case report and review of world literature.

Langerhans cell sarcoma is a rare malignancy with only 1 pediatric case (less than 15 y of age) reported. Here, we report the second case of Langerhans cell sarcoma in a child who presented with cord compression. This patient was treated with extensive surgical resection, postoperative chemotherapy, and involved-field radiation therapy. She completed therapy and remains in remission for 27 months. A review and analysis of all 53 cases published in the world literature is provided to help guide physicians treating this disease. Recently discovered genetic mutation involving BRAF is also discussed.

Manejo das neoplasias metastáticas da coluna vertebral - uma atualização / Management of metastatic spinal column neoplasms - an update

O aumento da sobrevivência do paciente oncológico decorrente da melhoria e do avanço das modalidades terapêuticas promove progressivo aumento da prevalência das neoplasias metastáticas da coluna vertebral, tornando o seu conhecimento condição sine qua non para os profissionais da área de saúde. As metástases na coluna vertebral são usualmente procedentes de neoplasia maligna da mama, pulmão e próstata, o gênero masculino é o mais acometido e a dor é o sintoma inicial em mais de 90% dos pacientes. Estima-se que 30-90% dos pacientes com câncer em estágio terminal apresentem metástase em algum segmento da coluna vertebral. A alta prevalência das neoplasias malignas e a significativa experiência dos autores no tratamento das metástases na coluna vertebral motivaram uma atualização do tema. Acreditamos que a padronização da conduta e o conhecimento pormenorizado dos principais aspectos da doença, podem promover a melhor opção terapêutica. O presente estudo visa à revisão e descrição didática dos principais aspectos relacionados à fisiopatologia, diagnóstico e tratamento desta entidade.

The increased survival of cancer patients due to the improvement and advancement of therapeutic modalities has promoted progressive increase in the prevalence of metastatic tumors of the spine, making it important for healthcare professionals to acquire knowledge in the field. Spinal column metastases are usually secondary to malignant neoplasm of the breast, lung and prostate, male gender being the most often affected and pain being the initial symptom in 90% of patients. It is estimated that 30-90% of terminally ill patients with cancer have metastases at some spinal column segment. Clinical history, physical and neurological assessments are critical to determine the degree and extent of the lesion, and therefore choose the appropriate imaging method to be requested. This study aims to perform a review and didactic description of the main aspects related to the physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Management of metastatic spinal column neoplasms--an update.

The increased survival of cancer patients due to the improvement and advancement of therapeutic modalities has promoted progressive increase in the prevalence of metastatic tumors of the spine, making it important for healthcare professionals to acquire knowledge in the field. Spinal column metastases are usually secondary to malignant neoplasm of the breast, lung and prostate, male gender being the most often affected and pain being the initial symptom in 90% of patients. It is estimated that 30-90% of terminally ill patients with cancer have metastases at some spinal column segment. Clinical history, physical and neurological assessments are critical to determine the degree and extent of the lesion, and therefore choose the appropriate imaging method to be requested. This study aims to perform a review and didactic description of the main aspects related to the physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Sacroplastia: una nueva esperanza para el dolor por metástasis sacra / Sacroplasty: new hope for pain from sacral metastasis

La cementoplastía en aplastamientos o fracturas vertebrales es un proceder que se utiliza con mayor frecuencia en la sociedad moderna, basado en la inyección percutánea de polimetil-metacrilato. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una experiencia de nuevo abordaje en el tratamiento del dolor oncológico; en este caso por metástasis en el cuerpo vertebral de S2, a partir de un cáncer de próstata, que refería un dolor incapacitante. Creemos que el proceder fue novedoso y que existen pocos casos reportados en la bibliografía mundial sobre la sacroplastia.

The cementoplasty in squashing or vertebral fractures is an action that is utilized with high frequency in the modern society, based in the percutaneous injection of polimetil-metacrylate. The objective of this presentation is to show you an experience to a new perspective in the treatment of the cancer pain; In this case for metastasis in S2's vertebral body, from a prostate cancer, that presented a crippling pain. That is why we thought the way it was conducted was innovative and there are few cases that have been reported in the worldwide bibliography on the sacroplasty.

Radioterapia estereotáctica extracraneal un nuevo paradigma: en terapéutica oncológica: experiencia preliminar / Extra cranial stereotactic radiation therapy: a new paradigm in oncology therapeutic: preliminar experience

Presentar resultados preliminares del tratamiento con radioterapia estereotáctica extracraneal en metástasis hepáticas, tumores pulmonares y otras lesiones metastásicas. Se describe método terapéutico y se presenta un análisis prospectivo de 25 pacientes tratados en el servicio de radioterapia la Trinidad con esta modalidad de radioterapia de alta precisión, desde marzo de 2009. Se utilizó un acelerador lineal Varian® IX versión Trilogy con equipo de imágenes incorporado. Las dosis de radioterapia oscilaron entre 60 Gy en 3 fracciones a 44,5 Gy en 10 fracciones. El tiempo de seguimiento osciló de <1 mes a 16 meses. Se incluyeron un total de 25 individuos (44 lesiones); 14 pacientes con metástasis hepáticas, 5 con metástasis pulmonares (3 de ellos también recibieron tratamiento por metástasis hepáticas), 4 con tumores primarios de pulmón, 2 con metástasis vertebrales y 3 con otras lesiones secundarias. La tolerancia al tratamiento fue en general satisfactoria, sin complicaciones severas. Se observó estabilización o regresión parcial de las lesiones en 17 pacientes, persistencia o progresión local en 3 pacientes. En 13 individuos la enfermedad a distancia permaneció estable y en 10 ocurrió progresión de la misma, durante este tiempo limitado de seguimiento. Cuatro pacientes han fallecido con enfermedad. La radioterapia extracraneal estereotáctica es una modalidad terapéutica novedosa, con gran potencial en el manejo multidisciplinario de las enfermedades neoplásicas. Los resultados preliminares de este trabajo, demuestran su efectividad, seguridad y la factibilidad de su aplicación en nuestro país

Present the preliminary results obtained with stereotactic body radiation therapy in liver metastases, pulmonary tumors and other metastatic lesions. Treatment is described, presenting a prospective analysis of 25 patients treated in La Trinidad Radiation Therapy Service since March 2009. Patients were treated using a dual energy IX Varian® linear accelerator Trilogy version, with on board imaging. Doses of radiation varied from 60 Gy in 3 fractions to 44.5 Gy in 10 fractions. Follow up time varied from < 1 month to 16 months. Total of 25 patients were included in the study (44 lesions); 14 patients with liver metastases, 5 with lung metastases (3 of them also received treatment for liver metastases), 4 primary lung tumors, 2 vertebral metastases, and 3 with other metastatic lesions. Treatment was in general well tolerated with no serious complications. Partial regression or stabilization of the treated lesions occurred in 17 patients, persistence or local progression was seen in 3 patients. In 13 individuals there was no appearance of new metastatic disease and 10 showed progression of distant disease, during this limited follow up time. Four patients have died with disease. Stereotactic body radiation is a novel high precision radiation therapy technique with a great potential in the multidisciplinary management of patients with neoplastic disease. The preliminary results of this study and the review of the literature support the safety, and effectiveness of this treatment modality and the feasibility of employing in Venezuela

Clinical and imaging findings in patients with aggressive spinal hemangioma requiring surgical treatment.

Vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) are frequently asymptomatic lesions found incidentally during investigations for other spinal problems. Symptomatic VHs are less common, and there are few reports of compressive VHs in the literature. VHs with aggressive behavior present with low signal intensity on T1-weighted and high signal intensity on T2-weighted MRI. We present a case series of four patients with compressive VH, all of whom were neurologically compromised. Each of the four patients underwent preoperative arterial embolization followed by surgical treatment of their VHs. All patients recovered normal motor function after surgery. At follow-up (average 53 months), one patient had a recurrent tumor requiring reoperation and radiotherapy. Although it is rare, aggressive VH can be a devastating condition. Total surgical resection or subtotal resection with radiotherapy may be warranted.

Tumores espinales primarios en la infancia: epidemiologia, diagnostico, estadificacion y tratamiento / Primary tumors of the spine in children: epidemiology, diagnosis, staging and treatment

Introducción: Los tumores vertebrales son infrecuentes en la infancia. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar las variables clínico-epidemiológicas, los estudios complementarios, los procedimientos diagnósticos, los criterios de estadificación y los resultados terapéuticos. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una evaluación retrospectiva de una muestra de 43 niños tratados en un período de 20 años. Variables analizadas: dolor, compromiso neurológico, deformidad, claudicación para la marcha, masa palpable, recidiva, supervivencia y complicaciones terapéuticas. La estadificación se efectuó según la histología, la extensión anatómica y el comportamiento biológico del tumor. El seguimiento mínimo fue de 2 años y la significación estadística ≤0,05. Resultados: Prevalencia en los varones, edad promedio 9,3 años. Estirpes más frecuentes: histiocitosis de células de Langerhans, osteoma osteoide y quistes óseos aneurismáticos. Datos clínicos relevantes: dolor, deformidad, afectación neurológica. Retardo diagnóstico promedio, 7 meses. En la mayoría de las lesiones seudotumorales no hubo correlación entre la benignidad histológica y el comportamiento clínico. En 31 niños la cirugía incluyó tres procedimientos básicos: curetaje, resección en bloque y vertebrectomía. El tratamiento médico incluyó a 13 pacientes con histiocitosis. Los diversos protocolos terapéuticos modificaron favorablemente las variables analizadas. Conclusiones: Se requiere un alto índice de sospecha a fin de establecer el diagnóstico y el tratamiento tempranos y evitar las deformaciones o el daño neurológico permanente. La estadificación tumoral es imprescindible para el estudio individual y la comparación con otras series.(AU)

Tumores espinales primarios en la infancia: epidemiologia, diagnostico, estadificacion y tratamiento / Primary tumors of the spine in children: epidemiology, diagnosis, staging and treatment

Introducción: Los tumores vertebrales son infrecuentes en la infancia. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar las variables clínico-epidemiológicas, los estudios complementarios, los procedimientos diagnósticos, los criterios de estadificación y los resultados terapéuticos. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una evaluación retrospectiva de una muestra de 43 niños tratados en un período de 20 años. Variables analizadas: dolor, compromiso neurológico, deformidad, claudicación para la marcha, masa palpable, recidiva, supervivencia y complicaciones terapéuticas. La estadificación se efectuó según la histología, la extensión anatómica y el comportamiento biológico del tumor. El seguimiento mínimo fue de 2 años y la significación estadística ≤0,05. Resultados: Prevalencia en los varones, edad promedio 9,3 años. Estirpes más frecuentes: histiocitosis de células de Langerhans, osteoma osteoide y quistes óseos aneurismáticos. Datos clínicos relevantes: dolor, deformidad, afectación neurológica. Retardo diagnóstico promedio, 7 meses. En la mayoría de las lesiones seudotumorales no hubo correlación entre la benignidad histológica y el comportamiento clínico. En 31 niños la cirugía incluyó tres procedimientos básicos: curetaje, resección en bloque y vertebrectomía. El tratamiento médico incluyó a 13 pacientes con histiocitosis. Los diversos protocolos terapéuticos modificaron favorablemente las variables analizadas. Conclusiones: Se requiere un alto índice de sospecha a fin de establecer el diagnóstico y el tratamiento tempranos y evitar las deformaciones o el daño neurológico permanente. La estadificación tumoral es imprescindible para el estudio individual y la comparación con otras series.