Systemic Cancer Treatments in Spinal Metastatic Disease
Systemic cancer treatments play a crucial role in managing metastatic spinal tumors by targeting cancer cells throughout the body. Unlike localized treatments, systemic therapies address both spinal lesions and other metastatic sites.
Chemotherapy has long been used to treat cancers that commonly spread to the spine. While effective in some cases, newer therapies have expanded treatment options and improved outcomes.
Hormone therapy is particularly beneficial for hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate cancer. By blocking hormonal signals, these treatments slow tumor growth and reduce bone involvement.
Targeted therapies and immunotherapies have revolutionized cancer care. These treatments focus on specific molecular features of cancer cells or enhance the immune system’s ability to fight tumors. They often have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
Systemic treatments are frequently combined with surgery or radiation to achieve better disease control. Monitoring treatment response through imaging and clinical assessment is essential.
Advances in systemic therapy continue to improve survival and quality of life for patients with metastatic spinal tumors.