The Orthobullets Podcast Podiums | Spine | Novel Techniques in Spinal Oncology
Jan 2, 2026
Dr. Stephen Burks, an expert in spinal oncology, shares groundbreaking insights into treating metastatic spine disease. He discusses the advantages of combining surgery and radiation for cord compression, and stresses the importance of collaboration with oncologists. Listeners will learn about the nuances of photon versus proton therapy, as well as the innovative use of carbon fiber materials in separation surgery. Burks also highlights the critical need for multidisciplinary case reviews, especially when urgent decisions are required for patient care.
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Survival Hinges On Tumor Biology
- Metastatic spinal disease prognosis depends mainly on histology, systemic disease, and function.
- Stephen Burks emphasizes oncologist and radiation collaboration to avoid futile surgery for patients with very limited survival.
Confirm Prognosis Before Major Surgery
- Check prognosis tools and talk to oncology before planning major spine surgery.
- Avoid operating when predicted survival is extremely short and manage with chemo/radiation when appropriate.
How Radiation Kills Tumors
- Radiation controls tumors by DNA damage and normal tissues repair better than cancer cells.
- Burks contrasts photon (IMRT) and proton therapy and notes proton's sharper Bragg peak spares surrounding tissues.