Radiation for spinal metastatic tumors.

Radiotherapeutic management of vertebral metastases varies based on the extent of disease within the spine and systemically, the histology of the tumor, and the life expectancy of the patient. The goals of pain reduction, structural stability of the axial skeleton, and maintenance of local control for the remainder of the patient's life guide the decision to proceed with a short simple course of standard therapy or a more complex approach with stereotactic regimens. The complex and rigorous processes involved in stereotactic radiotherapy for the spine require close cooperation among the radiation oncologist, neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, and medical oncologist, but the clinical results show that the result is an enhanced quality of life for the patient.