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Cancer research

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Offers Effective Treatment for GI Cancer Spinal Metastases

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have made significant strides in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer spinal metastases using stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). According to a recent study published in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology, SBRT has shown promise in providing effective local tumor control and pain palliation with minimal toxicity. The study, which analyzed outcomes from 75 patients with 106 GI primary cancer spinal metastases, demonstrated promising results in terms of local failure rates, overall survival, and pain response.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that SBRT was effective in treating GI cancer spinal metastases, with cumulative incidence rates of 3-, 6-, and 12-month local failure rates of 5%, 9%, and 10%, respectively.
  • Rates of 12-month local failure were 6% for gastroesophageal, 10% for hepatobiliary, and 13% for colorectal cancers.
  • Multilevel tumors (> 2 vertebrae) were associated with local failure, with a hazard ratio of 5.61 (95% CI: 1.61-19.5).
  • Epidural disease was associated with inferior overall survival, with a hazard ratio of 1.75 (95% CI: 1.04-2.96).
  • Complete or partial pain responses for 93 tumors (88%) presenting with pain were 60%, 51%, 32%, and 32% after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively.
  • Ten vertebral compression fractures (9%) developed following treatment.
  • Twelve radiation toxicities (11%) were observed, with no cases of neuropathy or myelopathy.

Statistics:

  • 75 patients with 106 GI primary cancer spinal metastases were treated with SBRT.
  • Median follow-up was 5 months (IQR: 1-13).
  • Cumulative incidence rates of 3-, 6-, and 12-month local failure were 5%, 9%, and 10%, respectively.
  • Rates of 12-month overall survival were 41%.
  • Rates of 3-, 6-, and 12-month overall survival were 68%, 50%, and 41%, respectively.
  • Complete or partial pain responses for 93 tumors (88%) presenting with pain were 60%, 51%, 32%, and 32% after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Recent Studies from University of Pittsburgh Add New Data to Cancer (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Spinal Metastases From Gastrointestinal Primary Cancers). Health & Medicine Week. May 16, 2025; p 4577.
  • Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Spinal Metastases From Gastrointestinal Primary Cancers. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2025.

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