Board/OITE Review: Oncology 03 - General Principles, Overview, Radiation Treatment
Mar 21, 2024
auto_awesome
Join Dr. Cole and Dr. Woolwine, seasoned medical professionals in surgical oncology, as they delve into the evolution of surgical resection margins and the pivotal role of radiation therapy. They explore personalized treatment strategies for bone tumors and the importance of tailored care for benign and malignant cases. The discussion also highlights surgical techniques for soft tissue tumors, weighing the benefits and risks of radiation and chemotherapy. This insightful dialogue is perfect for anyone preparing for board exams!
Advancements in radiation therapy have shifted surgical oncology towards wide resections with preserved healthy tissue, moving away from radical resections.
The standard of care for malignant bone tumors now often involves limb salvage procedures and multi-modal approaches, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Deep dives
Understanding Resection Margins in Tumor Surgery
Different types of resection margins are crucial in surgical oncology, particularly in the treatment of sarcoma. Radical resections, which involve removing an entire muscular compartment, are becoming less common due to advancements in radiation therapy. Instead, wide resections, where a cuff of healthy tissue surrounding a tumor is preserved, are favored, adhering to a standard teaching of approximately two centimeters for margins, although some practitioners operate with more flexibility. Marginal resections, which only remove the tumor itself, and intralesional resections, where the tumor is excised from within the lesion, are also vital methods to consider when planning treatment.
Treatment Approaches for Benign Bone Tumors
Managing benign bone tumors involves various strategies, including observation, medication, and minimally invasive techniques. For tumors like osteoid osteomas, treatment options can include monitoring their progression or using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for symptomatic relief. Additionally, interventions like aspiration and injection are applicable for conditions like unicameral bone cysts where the lesion can be drained and treated directly. More invasive methods such as curettage, often supplemented with techniques to minimize local recurrence, are employed for larger lesions like giant cell tumors.
Malignant Bone Tumor Management Strategies
The treatment of malignant bone tumors has evolved, with limb salvage procedures becoming the standard of care in many cases. Often, a multi-modal approach is taken, combining surgery with neoadjuvant chemotherapy to target micro-metastases and reduce tumor size prior to surgical resection. For certain tumors, radiation therapy plays a significant role, either as a preoperative treatment or in conjunction with surgery to enhance local control. Factors like the tumor's growth rate and the presence of vascular involvement significantly influence the chosen treatment plan, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in managing these complex cases.
Follow along with our Nailed it Board/OITE Podcast Companion book. Get your copy by clicking here >> https://a.co/d/cr4i8nD
Enjoy another episode from our board review series featuring Dr. Cole and Dr. Woolwine.
This episode is sponsored by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:
Filled with content that has been vetted by some of the top names in orthopaedics, the AAOS Resident Orthopaedic Core Knowledge (ROCK) program sets the standard for orthopaedic education.
Whether ROCK is incorporated into your residency curriculum, or you use it independently as a study tool, the educational content on ROCK is always free to residents. You’ll gain the insights and confidence needed to ensure a successful future as a board-certified surgeon who delivers the best patient care. Log on at https://rock.aaos.org/.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode