ABSTRACT

Recent advances in radiologic imaging such as positrone emition tomography, the develop-ment of novel chemotherapeutics and radiation methods have greatly altered the treatment opti-ons in patients with spinal metastases. This ar-ticle aims to discuss recent advances in mana-gement of the metastatic spinal tumors. Recent studies showed that, direct decompressive surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy is superior to treatment with radiotherapy alone for patients with spinal cord compression caused by metastatic lesions. In this juncture, the important point is radio/chemosensitivity of the tumor. Another parameter affects the treatment strategy is survi-val of the patient. Many prognostic criterias have been defined in order to predict survival. The last important factor is the direction of compression on spinal cord and extension of metastases in vertebrae. After the surgical decompression, proper reconstruction of the spinal column is mandatory. Finally, multidisciplinary approach has a great importance in every steps of the ma-nagement of the spinal metastases.