Pre-surgery focused radiation for spinal metastases.
Preoperative Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Treatment of Spinal Metastases
This trial will test whether short-course, focused radiation given before surgery can improve local tumor control and reduce pain and disability in adults with spinal metastases.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Medical Center Goettingen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Göttingen) |
| Trial ID | NCT07135817 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Patients with spinal metastases receive hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to the involved spinal segments shortly before surgical decompression and/or stabilization. Imaging with MRI and CT is performed before surgery and at 3 and 6 months after surgery to measure local tumor control. Participants also complete standardized pain, functional status, and quality-of-life questionnaires to track postoperative outcomes. Safety, perioperative complications, and changes in pain and function are recorded as secondary measures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with spinal metastases who are scheduled for surgical decompression and/or stabilization, have an expected survival >6 months, and whose tumor anatomy is suitable for 1–3 fraction SBRT.
Not a fit: Patients requiring emergency decompression for severe motor deficits or loss of bladder/bowel control, those under 18, and patients whose tumor extent precludes hypofractionated SBRT are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, preoperative SBRT could improve local tumor control, reduce tumor-related pain, and help patients regain function faster after surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While postoperative SBRT for spinal metastases is well-established, preoperative SBRT is a newer strategy with limited but promising early data on feasibility and local control.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Indication for surgical treatment of a spinal tumor * Age: older or 18 years * Estimated survival \> 6 months * The patient is able to understand the nature, significance and scope of the clinical study in the context of patient information and to base the decision to participate in the study on this. Exclusion Criteria: * Age: \< 18 years * Motor deficit or loss of bladder and bowel control that urges an emergency surgical decompression * Tumor extent does not allow hypofractioned SBRT (1-3 fractions)
Where this trial is running
Göttingen
- University Medical Center Goettingen — Göttingen, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Carla Marie Zwerenz, Dr. med.
- Email: carlamarie.zwerenz@med.uni-goettingen.de
- Phone: +49 551 39 64501
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.