Outcomes following attempted en bloc resection of cervical chordomas in the C-1 and C-2 region versus the subaxial region: a multiinstitutional experience

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 348-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camilo A. Molina ◽  
Christopher P. Ames ◽  
Dean Chou ◽  
Laurence D. Rhines ◽  
Patrick C. Hsieh ◽  
...  

Object Chordomas involving the mobile spine are ideally managed via en bloc resection with reconstruction to optimize local control and possibly offer cure. In the cervical spine, local anatomy poses unique challenges, limiting the feasibility of aggressive resection. The authors present a multi-institutional series of 16 cases of cervical chordomas removed en bloc. Particular attention was paid to clinical outcome, complications, and recurrence. In addition, outcomes were assessed according to position of tumor at the C1–2 level versus the subaxial (SA) spine (C3–7). Methods The authors reviewed cases involving patients who underwent en bloc resection of cervical chordoma at 4 large spine centers. Patients were included if the lesion epicenter involved the C-1 to C-7 vertebral bodies. Demographic data and details of surgery, follow-up course, exposure to adjuvant therapy, and complications were obtained. Outcome was correlated with presence of tumor in C1–2 versus subaxial spine via a Student t-test. Results Sixteen patients were identified (mean age at presentation 55 ± 14 years). Seven cases (44%) cases involved C1–2, and 16 involved the subaxial spine. Median survival did not differ significantly different between the C1–2 (72 months) and SA (60 months) groups (p = 0.65). A combined (staged anteroposterior) approach was used in 81% of the cases. Use of the combined approach was significantly more common in treatment of subaxial than C1–2 tumors (100% vs 57%, p = 0.04). En bloc resection was attempted via an anterior approach in 6% of cases (C1–2: 14.3%; SA: 0%; p = 0.17) and a posterior approach in 13% of cases (C1–2: 29%; SA: 0%; p = 0.09). The most commonly reported margin classification was marginal (56% of cases), followed by violated (25%) and wide (19%). En bloc excision of subaxial tumors was significantly more likely to result in marginal margins than excision of C1–2 tumors (C1–2: 29%; SA: 78%; p = 0.03). C1–2 tumors were associated with significantly higher rates of postoperative complications (C1–2: 71%; SA: 22%; p = 0.03). Both local and distant tumor recurrence was greatest for C1–2 tumors (local C1–2: 29%; local SA: 11%; distant C1–2: 14%; distant SA: 0%). Statistical analysis of tumor recurrence based on tumor location was not possible due to the small number of cases. There was no between-groups difference in exposure to postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. There was no difference in median survival between groups receiving proton beam radiotherapy or intensity-modulated radiotherapy versus no radiation therapy (p = 0.8). Conclusions Compared with en bloc resection of chordomas involving the subaxial cervical spine, en bloc resection of chordomas involving the upper cervical spine (C1–2) is associated with poorer outcomes, such as less favorable margins, higher rates of complications, and increased tumor recurrence. Data from this cohort do not support a statistically significant difference in survival for patients with C1–2 versus subaxial disease, but larger studies are needed to further study survival differences.

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 644-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziya L. Gokaslan ◽  
Patricia L. Zadnik ◽  
Daniel M. Sciubba ◽  
Niccole Germscheid ◽  
C. Rory Goodwin ◽  
...  

OBJECT A chordoma is an indolent primary spinal tumor that has devastating effects on the patient's life. These lesions are chemoresistant, resistant to conventional radiotherapy, and moderately sensitive to proton therapy; however, en bloc resection remains the preferred treatment for optimizing patient outcomes. While multiple small and largely retrospective studies have investigated the outcomes following en bloc resection of chordomas in the sacrum, there have been few large-scale studies on patients with chordomas of the mobile spine. The goal of this study was to review the outcomes of surgically treated patients with mobile spine chordomas at multiple international centers with respect to local recurrence and survival. This multiinstitutional retrospective study collected data between 1988 and 2012 about prognosis-predicting factors, including various clinical characteristics and surgical techniques for mobile spine chordoma. Tumors were classified according to the Enneking principles and analyzed in 2 treatment cohorts: Enneking-appropriate (EA) and Enneking-inappropriate (EI) cohorts. Patients were categorized as EA when the final pathological assessment of the margin matched the Enneking recommendation; otherwise, they were categorized as EI. METHODS Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data (Student t-test, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests). Recurrence and survival data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, log-rank tests, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard modeling. RESULTS A total of 166 patients (55 female and 111 male patients) with mobile spine chordoma were included. The median patient follow-up was 2.6 years (range 1 day to 22.5 years). Fifty-eight (41%) patients were EA and 84 (59%) patients were EI. The type of biopsy (p < 0.001), spinal location (p = 0.018), and if the patient received adjuvant therapy (p < 0.001) were significantly different between the 2 cohorts. Overall, 58 (35%) patients developed local recurrence and 57 (34%) patients died. Median survival was 7.0 years postoperative: 8.4 years postoperative for EA patients and 6.4 years postoperative for EI patients (p = 0.023). The multivariate analysis showed that the EI cohort was significantly associated with an increased risk of local recurrence in comparison with the EA cohort (HR 7.02; 95% CI 2.96–16.6; p < 0.001), although no significant difference in survival was observed. CONCLUSIONS EA resection plays a major role in decreasing the risk for local recurrence in patients with chordoma of the mobile spine.


2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wesley Hsu ◽  
Thomas A. Kosztowski ◽  
Hasan A. Zaidi ◽  
Ziya L. Gokaslan ◽  
Jean-Paul Wolinsky

Chordomas are rare tumors that arise from the sacrum, spine, and skull base. Surgical management of these tumors can be difficult, given their locally destructive behavior and predilection for growing near delicate and critical structures. En bloc resection with negative margins can be difficult to perform without damaging adjacent structures and causing significant clinical morbidity. For chordomas of the upper cervical spine, surgical options traditionally involve transoral or submandibular approaches. The authors report the use of the image-guided, endoscopic, transcervical approach to the upper cervical spine as an alternative to traditional techniques for addressing upper cervical spine tumors, particularly for tumors where gross-total resection is not feasible.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e22510-e22510
Author(s):  
Joonho Yoon ◽  
Chun Kee Chung ◽  
Sunho Lee ◽  
Chiheon Kim

e22510 Background: GCT is a benign and locally aggressive tumor that occur infrequently in the mobile spine. The radical excision is generally agreed for treatment of GCTs. Methods: We performed retrospective analysis of 20 GCTs in the mobile spine from 2005 to 2013. Verteberal involvement was classified with Weinstein-Boriani-Biagini grading system. Surgery types were classified into 3 groups; partial excision, gross total removal (GTR), and en-bloc resection. We analysis by GTR versus non-GTR group, and enbloc versus non-enbloc group in GTR group. The log rank test was used for comparison of factors, and a P value of less than 0.05 was deemed significant. Results: After first surgery of the 20 patients, 17 additional surgery performed for 10 (50%) patients. There were 7 (35%) local recurrences and 3 (15%) distant metastasis. The time to recurrence or progression of tumor ranged from 5 months to 39 months. Two (10%) patients had additional surgery for instrument failure. One (5%) patient died from the complication of the surgery. The follow up duration ranged from 24 months to 141 months. The local recurrence was associated with partial resection (P < 0.01) and history of recurrence (P = 0.39). There was no significant difference between non-en bloc GTR and en bloc GTR in local recurrence (p = 0.101). Conclusions: Gross total resection should be considered for GCTs of the mobile spine. The choice of en bloc resection must be balanced with risks of the procedure. En bloc resection or radical excision could be challenging in many cases. In that cases, the gross total removal by intralesional resection is considerable for local control.


2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle J. Clarke ◽  
Patricia L. Zadnik ◽  
Mari L. Groves ◽  
Daniel M. Sciubba ◽  
Timothy F. Witham ◽  
...  

OBJECT Recently, aggressive surgical techniques and a push toward en bloc resections of certain tumors have resulted in a need for creative spinal column reconstruction. Iatrogenic instability following these resections requires a thoughtful approach to adequately transfer load-bearing forces from the skull and upper cervical spine to the subaxial spine. METHODS The authors present a series of 7 cases in which lateral mass reconstruction with a cage or fibular strut graft was used to provide load-bearing support, including 1 case of bilateral cage placement. RESULTS The authors discuss the surgical nuances of en bloc resection of high cervical tumors and explain their technique for lateral mass cage placement. Additionally, they provide their rationale for the use of these constructs throughout the craniocervical junction and subaxial spine. CONCLUSIONS Lateral mass reconstruction provides a potential alternative or adjuvant method of restoring the load-bearing capabilities of the cervical spine.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Jin ◽  
John Berry-Candelabra ◽  
Y Josh Yamada ◽  
Daniel Higginson ◽  
Adam Schmitt ◽  
...  

Abstract INTRODUCTION To evaluate outcomes of patients with primary chordomas treated with spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone or in combination with surgery, drawing from a single-institution database to elucidate treatment options associated with durable radiographic control of these conventionally radioresistant tumors. Chordomas result in significant morbidity, with a high rate of local recurrence and potential for metastases. SRS as a primary treatment could save patients from extensive surgery. Spine SRS outcomes support exploration of its role in the durable control of these conventionally radioresistant tumors. METHODS Clinical records were reviewed for outcomes of patients with primary chordoma of the mobile spine and sacrum who underwent single-fraction SRS between 2006 and 2017. Radiographic local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), overall survival (OS), symptom response, and toxicity were assessed in relation to extent of surgery. RESULTS In total, 35 patients with de novo chordoma of the mobile spine (49%) and sacrum (51%) received SRS with a median post-SRS follow-up of 38.8 mo (range: 2.0-122.9). The median PTV dose was 24Gy (range: 18–24Gy). Overall, 12 patients (33%) underwent definitive SRS and 23 patients (66%) underwent surgery followed by adjuvant SRS. Surgical strategies included separation surgery prior to SRS, curettage/intralesional resection, and en bloc resection in 7, 6, and 10 patients, respectively. The 3- and 5-yr LRFS rates were 86.2% and 80.5% respectively. Among 32 patients receiving 24 Gy (91%), the 3- and 5-yr LRFS were 96.3% and 89.9%. The 3- and 5-yr OS rates were 90.0% and 84.3%. The symptom response rate to treatment was 88% for pain and radiculopathy. Extent or type of surgery was not associated with LRFS, OS, or symptom response rates (P > .05), but en bloc resection was associated with higher CTCAE v. 5.0 surgical toxicity compared to epidural decompression and curettage/intralesional resection (P = .03). The long-term = grade 2 SRS toxicity rate was 31%, including 17% grade 3 tissue necrosis, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, fracture, and secondary malignancy. CONCLUSION High-dose spine SRS offers the chance of durable radiographic control and effective symptom relief with acceptable toxicity for primary chordomas as either definitive or adjuvant therapy.


2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1728-1737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew W. Colman ◽  
Syed M. Karim ◽  
Santiago A. Lozano-Calderon ◽  
Frank X. Pedlow ◽  
Kevin A. Raskin ◽  
...  

2008 ◽  
Vol 108 (2) ◽  
pp. 248-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dima Suki ◽  
Hiba Abouassi ◽  
Akash J. Patel ◽  
Raymond Sawaya ◽  
Jeffrey S. Weinberg ◽  
...  

Object The authors tested the hypothesis that patients with metastatic posterior fossa lesions (MPFLs) treated with resection have a higher risk of leptomeningeal disease (LMD) than those with MPFLs treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Methods Between 1993 and 2004, 379 patients with MPFLs were treated with resection or SRS at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The authors' primary study outcome was the incidence of LMD, as diagnosed with cerebrospinal fluid cytological analysis and/or neuroimaging. Results Resection was performed in 260 patients, whereas 119 patients underwent SRS. The median patient age was 56 years, 51% of patients were male, and 93% had a Karnofsky Performance Scale score $ 70. The most common primary cancers were those of the lung, breast, and kidney, as well as melanoma. Leptomeningeal dissemination of cancer occurred in 33 patients: 26 in the resection group and 7 in the SRS group (resection group: rate ratio [RR] 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89–4.75, p = 0.09). Piecemeal tumor resection (137 cases) was associated with a significantly higher risk of LMD than en bloc resection (123 cases; RR 3.4, 95% CI 1.43–8.12, p = 0.006) or SRS (RR 3.37, 95% CI 1.41–8.04, p = 0.006), and there was no significant difference in the risk for LMD between en bloc resection and SRS (en bloc resection: RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.34–2.81, p = 0.98). The multivariate RR and significance associated with piecemeal resection, however, were consistent, with a strong effect (RR 2.45, 95% CI 1.19–5.02, p = 0.02) and no indication of biases associated with tumor size, location, or cystic/necrotic appearance. Conclusions There is an increased risk of LMD after piecemeal resection of an MPFL. This increase, although clinically and statistically significant, is not as alarming as previously reported and is absent when en bloc removal is achieved. Further assessment of the role of resection in a controlled prospective setting is warranted.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda N Sacino ◽  
Sutipat Pairojboriboon ◽  
Ian Suk ◽  
Daniel Lubelski ◽  
Robin Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE En bloc resection of sacral tumors is the most effective treatment to help prevent recurrence. Sacrectomy, however, can be destabilizing, depending on the extent of resection. Various surgical techniques for improving stability and enabling early ambulation have been proposed. CLINICAL PRESENTATION Here, we report a case in which we use PMMA (poly[methyl methacrylate]) to augment pelvic instrumentation to improve mechanical stability after sacrectomy for en bloc resection of a solitary fibrous tumor. CONCLUSION We highlight the use of sacroplasty augmentation of pelvic ring reconstruction to provide biomechanical stability without the need for fusion of any mobile spine segments, which allowed for early patient ambulation and no appreciable loss of range of motion or mobility.


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (12) ◽  
pp. 030006052110653
Author(s):  
Jianhan Fu ◽  
Fajun Fu ◽  
Yinhuai Wang

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 1470 nm/980 nm dual-wavelength laser system used for the en-bloc resection of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) compared with transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT). Methods This retrospective study analysed the demographic and clinical data from patients diagnosed with NMIBC that were treated by either dual laser or TURBT. Intraoperative characteristics, postoperative characteristics and outcomes between the two groups were compared. Results This study analysed 64 patients, 32 in each group. No severe complications were identified in either group. After propensity score-matching, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the demographics, clinical and tumour characteristics. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of specimen quality. In the laser group, intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower and significantly fewer patients required continuous bladder irrigation after surgery, compared with the TURBT group. No significant differences were observed in the catheterization time, gross haematuria time and hospitalization time. Operation time in the laser group was significantly longer compared with the TURBT group. No significant difference was found in the recurrence and progression rates between the two groups. Conclusions The 1470 nm/980 nm dual-wavelength laser provides a safe and effective surgical treatment option for patients with NMIBC.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-65
Author(s):  
Lourdes C. Eco ◽  
Alison Brayton ◽  
William E. Whitehead ◽  
Andrew Jea

Chordomas are histologically benign tumors with local aggressive behavior. They arise from embryological remnants of the notochord at the clivus, mobile spine, and sacrum. Chordomas are rare tumors in the pediatric age group. Their surgical management is difficult, given their propensity for inaccessible anatomical regions, and proximity to critical neurovascular structures. While en bloc resection with surgical margins has been advocated as the preferred approach for chordomas, tumor characteristics and violation of adjacent anatomical boundaries may not allow for safe en bloc resection of the tumor. Here, the authors present the case of a C1 chordoma in a 5-year-old boy with epidural and prevertebral extension. The patient’s treatment consisted of a far-lateral approach for resection of the tumor and C1 arch, followed by circumferential reconstruction of the craniocervical junction with an expandable cage spanning the skull base to C2, and posterior occipitocervical spinal instrumentation. At 42 months after surgery, the patient remains neurologically intact with stable oncological status, and no evidence of craniocervical junction instrumentation failure.


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