Safety and local control of radiation therapy for chordoma of the spine and sacrum: A systematic review Journal Article


Authors: Pennicooke, B.; Laufer, I.; Sahgal, A.; Varga, P. P.; Gokaslan, Z. L.; Bilsky, M. H.; Yamada, Y. J.
Article Title: Safety and local control of radiation therapy for chordoma of the spine and sacrum: A systematic review
Abstract: Objective. To assess the toxicity, common radiation doses, and local control (LC) rates of radiation therapy for chordoma of the spine and sacrum and identify the difference in LC and toxicity between adjuvant, salvage, and primary therapy using radiation. Summary of Background Data. Chordoma of the spine is typically a low-grade malignant tumor thought to be relatively radioresistant with a high rate of local recurrence and the potential for metastases. Improved results of modern radiation therapy in the treatment of chordoma support exploration of its role in the management of primary/de novo chordoma or recurrent chordoma. Methods. We conducted a systematic literature review using PubMed and Embase databases to assess information available regarding the toxicity, LC rates, and overall survival (OS) rates for adjuvant, salvage, and primary radiation therapy for spinal and sacral chordoma. Results. A total of 40 articles were reviewed. Evidence quality was low or very low. The highest rates of LC and OS were with early adjuvant RT for primary/de novo disease. Salvage RT for recurrent disease has very small cohorts and thus strong conclusions were not able be made. Conclusion. The use of pre-and/or post-operative photon image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), proton or carbon ion therapy should be considered for patients undergoing surgery for the treatment of primary and recurrent chordomas in the mobile spine and sacrum, since these RT modalities may improve local control. Preoperative evaluation by the surgeon and radiation oncologist should be used to formulate a cohesive treatment plan. The use of photon IGRT or carbon ion therapy as the primary treatment of chordoma, when currently in its developmental stage, shows promise and requires clear delineation of toxicity profile and long-term local control. © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: intensity modulated radiation therapy; spine; radiation therapy; stereotactic radiosurgery; photon therapy; chordoma; sacrum; proton therapy; carbon ion therapy; convention radiation therapy
Journal Title: Spine
Volume: 41
Issue: Suppl. 20
ISSN: 0362-2436
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins  
Date Published: 2016-10-15
Start Page: S186
End Page: S192
Language: English
DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000001831
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 27509195
PMCID: PMC5572655
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 6 December 2016 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Yoshiya Yamada
    479 Yamada
  2. Mark H Bilsky
    319 Bilsky
  3. Ilya Laufer
    146 Laufer