Spinal Radiosurgery

Spinal Radiosurgery: A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Spinal Tumors and Spinal Lesions

Spinal radiosurgery is an innovative, minimally invasive treatment for spinal tumors and other conditions affecting the spine. It is a type of stereotactic radiosurgery—a specialized form of radiation therapy that delivers highly focused, high-dose radiation to precisely targeted areas of the body,  without the need for traditional surgery. 

At New Jersey Brain and Spine, our spine neurosurgeons and pain management experts have decades of experience treating disorders of the spine.

What is Spinal Radiosurgery?

Spinal radiosurgery is a form of highly focused radiation therapy (stereotactic radiosurgery)  that allows the neurosurgeon to deliver high-dose radiation directly to a tumor or abnormality in or near the spine without damaging the nearby spinal cord or healthy tissue. 

Spinal radiosurgery is typically used to treat both cancerous (malignant) and non-cancerous (benign) spinal tumors as well as other spinal lesions where surgery may not be an option. Some key applications include treatment for: 

• Vascular malformations 
• Pain management
• Spinal lesions that may put pressure on nerves, potentially affecting function and cause other neurological symptoms

Spinal radiosurgery is often used when a patient cannot undergo traditional surgery or as a follow-up treatment after surgery to manage and prevent tumor regrowth.

How Is Spinal Radiosurgery Performed?

Before your physician performs spinal radiosurgery, he or she  will use advanced imaging (like MRI or CT scans) to identify the exact location of the tumor or abnormality. During the procedure, the radiation oncologist or neurosurgeon will have you lie on a table. A special frame or mold will help you stay still during the session. 

Your physician will use a computer-guided machine to deliver concentrated beams of radiation to the tumor or lesion area. The treatment typically takes about 1 to 2 hours. The procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia.

Side Effects and Risks With Spinal Radiosurgery

While spinal radiosurgery is generally safe, potential risks and side effects can include:

• Temporary fatigue
• Mild skin irritation near the treatment area
• Swelling or inflammation around the tumor site
• In rare cases, pain or numbness due to nerve irritation

Serious side effects, such as radiation injury to surrounding tissues, are rare. Your physician will discuss these risks, guide you on managing severe symptoms, and closely monitor your progress during treatment and follow-up.

Recovery From Spinal Radiosurgery

Spinal radiosurgery is a minimally invasive treatment with no incisions, meaning there is no wound care or hospital stay. Most patients return to normal activity within a day or two.

In the days and weeks following treatment, you may experience minor side effects from treatment, which should resolve within a couple of days. While symptom improvement will vary depending on the condition treated, many patients notice pain relief within days to weeks after the procedure and tumor shrinkage shows within a few months.

Your physician will track how the tumor responds to treatment with regular follow-up imaging. Success rates from spinal radiosurgery will depend on the type and size of the tumor being treated, but the treatment has shown high rates of tumor control, often up to 90%, especially for metastatic tumors.

Case Study: Successful Spinal Radiosurgery 

Vincent, a 62 year-old retired firefighter from Bloomfield, New Jersey, was experiencing mild intermittent lower back pain and occasional left leg tingling, especially after prolonged sitting. An MRI of his lumbar spine found a 2.2 cm intradural extramedullary mass at L3 level, consistent with nerve sheath tumor (likely schwannoma). 

Given the small size, benign nature, and mild symptoms, a non-invasive approach was preferred. Surgical resection was discussed but deferred by the patient due to concerns about downtime and potential surgical risks. 

The NJBS team successfully performed stereotactic spinal radiosurgery, and one year-post procedure, imaging shows a 30% reduction in tumor volume. There is no progression or new symptoms and Vincent has returned to his daily activities with no limitations. 

FAQ

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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a spinal tumor or other spine condition, spinal radiosurgery may be an option. Contact New Jersey Brain and Spine to find out if spinal radiosurgery is the right treatment for you. Our teams in Paramus, Hackensack, Montvale, Annendale, and Montclair are at the forefront of radiosurgical care, using the latest protocols and technologies to maximize safety and outcomes.