Clinical Research Directory

Effectiveness Of Radiofrequency Ablation And Stabilization In Metastatic Spine Lesions By Positron Emission Computed Tomography (PET-CT) Confirmation

This pilot study will try to demonstrate metabolic changes in spine lesions treated by Augmentation and Ablation, according to existing standards of practice. Our purpose is to show the efficacy of a new radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in combination with augmentation, using a percutaneous ablation device (Osteocool-Medtronic) in the treatment of secondary vertebral bone tumor, avoiding concurrent bias related to other treatments of the disease.

Single- vs. Two-Fraction Spine Stereotactic Radiosurgery for the Treatment of Vertebral Metastases

Spine radiosurgery (SRS) utilizes advanced treatment planning with focused x-rays to deliver one to four high dose treatments to the spine to help relieve pain and/or neurologic symptoms. Spine SRS uses special equipment to position the participant and guide the focused beams toward the area to be treated and away from normal tissue. One of the side effects of spine SRS is the development of vertebral compression fractures, many of which are not painful. The goal of this study is to compare the effects, good and/or bad, of spine SRS given in 1 or 2 treatments. Our main goal is to find out which approach will reduce the chances of developing vertebral compression fractures.

Prophylactic Radiotherapy of MInimally Symptomatic Spinal Disease

Early palliative care has been shown to improve the quality of life and even survival for patients with metastatic cancer. More and more supportive oncology teams in cancer centers now advocate for early integration of radiation therapy (RT) in a patient's palliative management course. While multiple randomized studies have evaluated the efficacy of different RT regimens in the treatment of symptomatic bone lesions, few studies have examined the impact of early, upfront RT for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic (non- opioid dependent) spine metastases and its efficacy in preventing skeletal-related events (SREs). Since the pathophysiology of spinal metastatic disease is distinct from other bony metastatic disease, the proposed trial seeks to understand whether it is beneficial to patients with minimally symptomatic disease to undergo upfront RT to reduce the risks of SREs and their sequelae, including hospitalizations.

Spine Oncology Registry

This is an observational study to evaluate hardware related and oncologic outcomes in adult patients with primary and metastatic spine disease undergoing separation surgery followed by radiation treatment.

Radiofrequency Ablation/Bone Augmentation + Radiotherapy vs Radiotherapy Alone

This is a single-center, randomized controlled pilot study of radiofrequency ablation and bone augmentation (RFA/BA) plus radiotherapy (RT) vs. RT alone in patients with metastatic T5-L5 disease of the spine. Patients will be randomized 2:1 to receive either one treatment of RFA/BA plus RT or RT to evaluate the occurrence of skeletal-related events. Skeletal-related events (SREs) are defined as new clinical or radiologic evidence of pathologic fracture, spinal cord or nerve root compression, pain or instability, and/or necessity for additional local intervention (i.e. surgery, repeat RFA/BA or RT) due to persistent or progressive symptoms. Post-treatment follow-up for SREs are assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

Dose-Escalated Spine SbRT for Localized Metastasis to the Spinal Column

This study is being done to determine the feasibility and tolerability of a novel regimen of spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS). SSRS delivers high doses of radiation to tumors of the spine using precision techniques. In standard medical care, conventional SSRS is delivered in only 1 or 2 treatments. When this treatment is delivered in only 1-2 treatments, a high dose is used which can increase the side effects of treatment. This study aims to test an alternative technique of delivering SSRS over 5 treatments. By delivering the radiation therapy over multiple treatments, the dose of radiation is less per treatment.

Stereotactic Magnetic Resonance Guided Radiation Therapy

This is a master prospective Phase I-II trial evaluating feasibility and efficacy of stereotactic magnetic resonance (MR) guided adaptive radiation therapy (SMART) in patients with cancer. * The phase 1 study will evaluate the feasibility and safety of delivering SMART in patients with cancer. * Phase 2 will evaluate efficacy of SMART with specific reference to tumor control and improvement in patient reported outcome measures

Laser Interstitial Thermal Ablation and Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Patients With Spine Metastases

The purpose of this research is to combine two complementary modes of treatment, spinal interstitial laser ablation and stereotactic spine radiosurgery (SSRS) for the treatment for spinal tumors near the spinal cord with an objective to improve tumor control, improve pain control, preserve function, and improve quality of life. We will also assess how effective these combined modes of treatment are in patients with spinal metastasis with an epidural component.

Definitive Radiation for High-Risk Spine Metastases

This study is looking at whether patients with cancer that has aggressively spread to the spine can be treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy only and avoid a large spine surgery

Radiation Therapy Alone Versus Radiation Therapy Plus Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)/Vertebral Augmentation

The spread of cancer to the spine is referred to as spine metastasis. Spine metastases are a common complication of cancer and are frequently associated with significant back pain. This study is being done to help improve treatment for back pain caused by spinal metastases by comparing the effectiveness of two standard treatments. These two treatments include radiation therapy (RT) alone versus radiation therapy combined with radiofrequency ablation, with or without vertebral augmentation (PVA/RFA). In addition to RT or RT with PVA/RFA, will be continued with current pain medications.

Increased Early Pain Relief by Adding Vertebroplasty to SBRT

The goal of treating metastases is to preserve stability and neurological function while reducing pain. The actual standard of care is stereotaxic body radiation therapy (SBRT) alone in non-surgical patients. The added value of vertebroplasty to SBRT is not well documented in the literature, nor whether performing vertebroplasty before radiotherapy treatment leads to a reduction in the rate of fractures and post-SBRT pain.

Post Operative RT for Limited Spine Metastases

To evaluate patients with limited spine metastases treated with total spondylectomy followed by conventional radiotherapy or debulking surgery followed by SBRT or conventional RT. The study primary endpoint is one year local control.