Re‑irradiation spine stereotactic body radiotherapy following high‑dose conventional radiotherapy for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression: a retrospective study

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of using a precise radiation technique called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to re-irradiate spinal tumors in patients who have already received high doses of conventional radiation. The research focuses on patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC), a condition where cancer spreads to the spine and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The study found that re-irradiation with SBRT may be a viable option for certain patients, but careful consideration of the cumulative radiation dose to critical organs like the esophagus is necessary to minimize severe side effects.

• 1
  Re-irradiation spine SBRT may be effective for selected patients with cervical or thoracic MESCC, even with high-dose irradiation histories.
• 2
  The cumulative dose assessment across the original and re-irradiated esophagus was recommended to decrease the risk of severe esophageal toxicities.
• 3
  The study recommends specific esophageal cumulative dose constraints to reduce the risk of severe esophageal toxicity: ­Dmax < 203 ­Gy3 BED, ­D0.035 cc < 187 ­Gy3 BED, ­D1cc < 167 ­Gy3 BED.