Stefano Boriani

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This study looked at patients with spinal tumors who had surgery, analyzing data from over 1,200 individuals between 2017 and 2023. It found that 6.9% faced complications during surgery and 19.3% had issues afterward, which were linked to factors like age and previous health problems. These complications resulted in lower survival rates and worse quality of life, even though surgery generally improved overall health outcomes, indicating the importance of assessing patients carefully before surgery. Who this helps: This information helps patients and their doctors better understand risks before spine surgery.

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The study looked at how being part of the AO Spine Knowledge Forums (KF) affected the research output of its members, analyzing nearly 25,000 articles published since 1980. It found that membership led to a significant increase in research activity and collaboration, with 18,804 relevant articles linked to these forums and a strong correlation between the number of authors from these forums and the quality of the journals where they published. This is important because it shows that collaboration through structured forums can boost the quality and quantity of scientific research, which can ultimately help improve medical practices and treatments in spine care. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by promoting better and more impactful spine research.

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This study examined data from a large international database focused on primary spine tumors, analyzing information from 1495 patients with various tumor types. Researchers found that proper surgical techniques significantly improved patient survival and reduced the likelihood of tumor recurrence. It also identified specific genetic markers that can help predict outcomes for certain tumors, which is crucial for personalizing treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with primary spine tumors and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at patients with chordomas, which are rare tumors in the cervical spine, to see how well different surgical treatments worked. The researchers followed 38 patients and found that those who had a complete surgical removal (called true en bloc resection) experienced better local recurrence-free survival (92% compared to 63% for other methods) and overall survival (83% compared to 39%) after surgery, even though they also had more complications. This research is important because it helps healthcare providers understand the benefits and risks of surgery for these challenging tumors, ultimately leading to better care decisions for patients. Who this helps: Patients with cervical spine chordomas and their doctors.

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This research paper looks at how liquid biopsies, which involve testing blood for cancer-related markers, can be applied to patients with spinal tumors. The review highlights that these biopsies could help diagnose types of spinal malignancies, track how well treatment is working, and identify leftover cancer after treatment. The findings are promising because liquid biopsies are less invasive and can be done more frequently, but more studies with larger groups of patients are needed to confirm their effectiveness. Who this helps: Patients with spinal tumors and their doctors.

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This research paper looked at the use of carbon fiber implants in spinal tumor surgery and compared them to traditional titanium implants. They found that using carbon fiber screws can reduce complications related to imaging and radiation treatment, and the overall risk of problems was similar between carbon fiber and titanium, with screw breakage occurring in 2.4% and loosening in 1.7% of cases. This is important because it may help doctors choose better options for spinal tumors, potentially improving patient outcomes and comfort during treatment. Who this helps: Patients undergoing spinal tumor surgery.

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This study looked at various treatment options for patients with cancer that has spread to the spine, specifically those with a moderate level of spinal instability. The researchers found that while radiation therapy can temporarily relieve pain, many patients (15%-20%) end up needing surgery later. Both minimally invasive and open surgeries significantly improved pain, quality of life, and mobility for these patients, though open surgeries had a higher risk of complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with metastatic spine disease and their doctors in making treatment decisions.

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This research paper reviewed new treatment options for two types of rare spine tumors: chordoma and chondrosarcoma. The study looked at 73 previous studies and found 20 current clinical trials that are testing targeted therapies for these conditions. The findings highlight the need for better treatments beyond surgery and radiation, as targeted therapies may be more effective than traditional chemotherapy. Who this helps: This helps patients with chordoma and chondrosarcoma seeking better treatment options.

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This study focused on how cancer pain in spine patients is described and categorized. The researchers reviewed over 3,500 articles and narrowed it down to 54 relevant studies, ultimately proposing a new system to classify pain as biologic tumor pain, mechanical pain, radicular pain, neuropathic pain, and treatment-related pain. This standardization matters because it can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for spine cancer patients, ensuring they receive the most effective care for their specific pain types. Who this helps: This helps patients with spine cancer and their doctors in managing pain more effectively.

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This research focused on how to prevent and manage complications that can happen after spine surgery for cancer patients. The study reviewed existing literature and found that certain strategies, like using special bandages and closing wounds with a flap, can significantly reduce issues after surgery. For patients with higher risks of complications, using a flap closure is particularly beneficial, leading to better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing spine surgery for tumors, ensuring they have a safer recovery with fewer complications.

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This study looked at new types of radiation therapy for treating tumors in the spine, focusing on two advanced methods: stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and particle beam therapy (PBT). The research found that SBRT is effective at controlling tumors and easing symptoms, showing solid results in many trials, though it can carry risks like fractures or nerve issues. These therapies are important because they provide additional options for treating spinal tumors alongside surgery and medication, improving patient care. Who this helps: Patients with spine tumors.

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This paper reviews key molecular markers and targeted therapies for common types of cancer that spread to the spine, such as lung, breast, prostate, and melanoma cancers. The study found that recognizing these molecular markers and using specific treatments can significantly improve survival rates for patients with these cancers. This is important because it helps surgeons make better decisions about how to treat patients, ultimately leading to better outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients facing surgery for tumors that have spread to the spine.

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This study focused on a complex surgical procedure to remove a large bone tumor called a chordoma from the thoracic spine while preserving the spinal canal. The researchers successfully performed an "L"-shaped bone cut that allowed them to take out the tumor without damaging the surrounding nerves or the spinal canal itself. This approach is important because it helps prevent potential complications while effectively removing aggressive tumors. Who this helps: This benefits patients with spinal tumors, particularly those with chordomas.

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This study looked at complications that occur during and after surgery for primary spine tumors and how these complications affect patients' quality of life. Out of 374 patients, 42.5% had at least one complication, with 17.9% experiencing issues during surgery and 31.3% having problems afterward. While patients who had complications were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital (10.1% vs. 1.9% for those without complications), the overall impact on patient-reported quality of life was not significant. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and patients understand the risks and outcomes of spine tumor surgeries.

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This study examined a rare bone cancer called osteosarcoma, specifically when it occurs in the spine. They followed a case of a 17-year-old girl with a tumor affecting five vertebrae who underwent chemotherapy and a specific surgical procedure to ensure no tumor remained. Remarkably, she has been cancer-free for 20 years, highlighting that aggressive treatment can lead to long-term survival even in challenging cases like spinal osteosarcoma. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal osteosarcoma and their doctors.

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This study looked at research from the AO Spine Knowledge Forum Tumor, which analyzed data from the EPOSO network involving 10 centers in North America and Europe that focus on patients with metastatic spine tumors. Key findings showed that surgery for metastatic spine tumors can significantly improve patients' quality of life and neurological function, with even patients facing short survival times benefiting from better quality of life in their remaining months. These insights are crucial for guiding doctors in treatment decisions and improving care for patients with these challenging conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with metastatic spine tumors and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the alignment of the spine after surgery for tumor removal affects the likelihood of needing additional surgeries over time. Researchers followed 31 patients for at least two years, finding that mechanical failures occurred in 31% of them, and 22.6% required revision surgeries. Those with more significant alignment issues had a higher risk of complications, meaning that keeping the spine aligned properly during surgery can help prevent further problems and improve patients' quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from spinal tumor surgeries.

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This study looked at how surgery and radiation treatment affect nerve pain and muscle weakness in patients with cancer that has spread to the spine. It found that patients with nerve pain reported their pain decreasing from an average of 6.7 to 3.4 on a scale from 0 to 10 three months after treatment, which was a greater improvement compared to patients who only had back pain. Surgery led to significantly better results for nerve pain than radiation alone, highlighting the importance of choosing the right treatment for better outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with metastatic spine disease and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study focused on creating a measure to evaluate how well surgeries work for patients with metastatic spine disease, which is when cancer spreads to the spine. Experts from around the world agreed that the best way to assess surgical success involved tracking three key outcomes: avoiding serious complications (specifically, avoiding severe adverse events), maintaining or improving the patient's ability to function after 90 days, and ensuring patients can walk (even with help) at the same time. Their consensus showed that combining these outcomes gives a fuller picture of surgical effectiveness, with over 93% of experts supporting this approach. Who this helps: This benefits patients with spinal cancer and their doctors by providing a clearer standard for measuring surgical success.

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This study looked at how nutrition affects survival in cancer patients with spinal metastases who need surgery or radiation. Out of 589 patients, those who were well-nourished lived a median of 491 days after treatment, while moderately malnourished patients lived 328 days, and severely malnourished patients only 117 days. These findings highlight the importance of checking and improving nutrition before treatment, as it can significantly impact survival rates. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal metastases and their doctors by highlighting the importance of nutrition in treatment planning.

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This study looked at the results of surgery for rare bone tumors located in the sacrum (the lower part of the spine) in 19 patients, mostly middle-aged, over time. It found that 65% of the surgeries successfully removed all the tumor tissue, but 25% of patients had their cancer come back locally and 20% developed distant metastases. The research highlights that while surgery can be effective, it also carries a significant risk of complications, affecting 60% of patients, with issues like slow healing and bowel problems being the most common. Who this helps: This information benefits surgeons and medical teams involved in treating patients with sacral bone tumors.

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This study looked at patients with cancer spread to the spine who had surgery to relieve their symptoms. Researchers found that out of 280 patients, those who had surgery experienced significant improvements in their quality of life over the next two years, with a median survival of about 501 days after the operation. This is important because it shows that spine surgery can greatly enhance the well-being of patients dealing with serious cancer complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal metastases and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of denosumab, a medication used to treat aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) in the spine, particularly in patients whose symptoms returned after initial treatment. Researchers treated six patients with denosumab over several months and found that all patients improved in terms of pain and disease progression after starting treatment, with some remaining stable for up to 98 months without relapse. The findings highlight that denosumab can be a reliable long-term treatment option for patients with these challenging cysts, even after previous therapies failed. Who this helps: This helps patients with aneurysmal bone cysts, especially those whose condition has returned after prior treatments.

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This study looked at how effective a combination of surgery and high-energy particle therapy is for treating a type of spine cancer called osteogenic sarcoma when traditional surgery methods aren’t possible. Researchers found that patients who had surgery followed by high-energy therapy had a 3-year survival rate of 100% and none experienced a recurrence of their cancer. In contrast, patients who had less extensive surgeries had a much lower survival rate, with 75% dying from the disease within just over 7 months. Who this helps: This benefits patients with unresectable osteogenic sarcoma of the spine who need alternative treatment options.

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This study looked at how a scoring system called the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) relates to patients' reported health outcomes after they received treatment for spinal tumors. Out of 307 patients, those who had surgery plus radiation showed a higher SINS score, indicating more spinal instability, compared to those who only received radiation. The researchers found that higher SINS scores were linked to worse pain outcomes, suggesting that knowing a patient's SINS can help predict their recovery and pain levels after treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal tumors and their doctors by providing insights into treatment outcomes based on spinal stability.

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This study looked at a surgical method for removing a chordoma tumor located in the lower back, specifically at the L3 vertebra. The researchers found that using a combination of a traditional open surgery and a less invasive approach allowed them to successfully remove the tumor while minimizing complications and recovery time. This matters because it shows that effective cancer surgery can be done with less damage to surrounding tissues, leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chordoma tumors in the lumbar spine.

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This study looked at 161 young patients, aged 17 on average, who had non-cancerous tumors in their spine. Most of these patients had tumors called osteoblastomas and osteoid osteomas, and almost all experienced pain related to their tumors. After surgery, 13% of patients had the tumors come back, and there were two deaths over ten years. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and young patients dealing with benign spinal tumors.

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This study looked at young patients under 25 with rare cancerous tumors in the spine to understand their surgery outcomes. Researchers analyzed data from 68 patients and found that 36.4% had local tumors come back after treatment, and over one-third of the patients died within ten years. However, surgeries that were done effectively, combined with additional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, led to better survival rates. Who this helps: This benefits young cancer patients and their doctors by providing insights into effective treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how to tell the difference between infections and tumors in the spine using various imaging techniques like CT scans and MRI. Researchers examined 602 studies, ultimately analyzing 22 to find that imaging tests can be helpful, but a biopsy is essential for a definite diagnosis. They found that biopsies are quite reliable, with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 94%. Who this helps: This helps doctors diagnose patients who may have spinal infections or tumors.

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This study looked at how gender affects the quality of life, treatment results, and survival rates for patients with cancer that has spread to the spine. It found that while both men and women had improvements in their health-related quality of life after treatment, women tended to live longer than men post-treatment and experienced fewer complications. However, when excluding cancers specific to gender, the benefits for women decreased, suggesting that gender plays a critical role in treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with spine metastases and their doctors, as it emphasizes the importance of considering gender in treatment plans.

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This study looked at a new type of vertebral body replacement (VBR) made from a special material called PEEK/CF for patients with bone tumors in the spine. They treated 13 patients, and results showed that there was only one case (7.7%) of local tumor recurrence, while most patients (46.2%) had the VBR placed directly on the spine surface with no issues. This matters because the PEEK/CF implants allow for better monitoring of the tumor after surgery and help with radiotherapy planning without causing interference. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal tumors and their doctors.

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This study looked at how high-dose steroids affected patients with metastatic spine disease who had neurological problems before surgery. Out of 30 patients, only 20% showed improvement in their neurological function after using steroids, while 50% had worsening conditions. However, those who did stabilize or improve tended to live longer after surgery. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for patients with spinal metastases and their doctors when deciding on treatment plans.

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This study focused on a rare condition called Rapidly Destructive Osteoarthritis (RDOA) in the spine, which causes severe and fast deterioration of the vertebrae. The case involved a 37-year-old woman who experienced severe back pain and, despite various surgeries, faced multiple complications from this rapidly progressing disease. The researchers found that traditional surgical methods were insufficient for treating spinal RDOA, emphasizing the need for careful planning and stronger structural support during surgery to prevent further problems. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal RDOA and their doctors by providing insights into more effective treatment strategies.

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This study looked at a surgical method called the "rotation-reversion" technique used to remove large spinal tumors that were growing into the area around the spinal cord. Out of 86 patients who had this surgery from 2015 to 2021, 11 had particularly large tumors, averaging about 8 cm in size, and 91% of them had successful surgery without any cancer returning in the area, although most experienced complications during recovery. This is important because it shows that this technique can effectively treat difficult cases of spinal tumors, improving chances for patients to recover and maintain mobility after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with large spinal tumors and their doctors by providing a safer surgical option for treatment.

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This study looked at how patients with potentially unstable spinal cancer (known as spinal metastases) feel after undergoing surgery and/or radiation treatment. Researchers followed 220 patients and found that those who had surgery reported significantly less pain and better quality of life—pain decreased by 3 points on a scale and their quality of life score improved by 12.7 points within 12 weeks after surgery. In contrast, patients who received radiation alone had only slight improvements that did not last beyond 3 months. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients facing spinal metastases and their doctors, as it highlights the benefits of surgical treatment over radiation alone.

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This study looked at six cases of a rare type of spinal cancer called sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) in adults, with an average age of 41 years. All patients reported significant back pain for months, and tumors averaged 52 millimeters in size. Most importantly, the study found that these tumors can recur or spread, with three patients eventually dying from the disease, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis to ensure appropriate treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with spinal tumors and their doctors by improving awareness of SEF.

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This study looked at how well surgical teams can remove tumors from the spine while achieving their planned safety margins, which helps reduce the chance of cancer coming back. Out of 300 patients, doctors successfully matched their surgical plans in about 75% of cases, and they accurately assessed the tumor edges during surgery in nearly 80% of patients. Understanding these success rates helps doctors better plan surgeries and weigh the risks and benefits for their patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with spine tumors and their doctors in making informed decisions about surgical treatment.

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This study focused on improving how doctors assess the quality of life for patients with metastatic spine disease using a simpler questionnaire. Researchers created a shorter version of an existing questionnaire, reducing its length from 12 to 8 questions, which made it easier for patients to complete. They tested this shorter questionnaire with 2,730 adults and found it effectively measures patient health and can help inform treatment decisions, highlighting which aspects of health are most important to patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with metastatic spine disease and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at whether patients with a short life expectancy, specifically those expected to live less than 3 months, should still receive surgery for spinal cancer that has spread from other areas. Researchers found that patients who survived less than 3 months after surgery had a similar quality of life six weeks after their treatment as those who lived longer, with no major differences in patient satisfaction between the two groups. This finding suggests that doctors should prioritize a patient's overall health when deciding on surgery, rather than focusing solely on how long they might live. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal metastases and their doctors in making better treatment decisions.

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This study looked at a surgical technique called segmental resection of the spinal canal, which is used to remove bone tumors. Out of eight patients treated, 66.7% maintained local control of their tumor after surgery, and three patients remained cancer-free for an average of 98.7 months. While there were complications in 87.5% of the cases, the technique can be a viable option for motivated patients to effectively treat their spinal tumors. Who this helps: This helps patients with primary bone tumors in the spine.

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This study looked at osteoblastoma, a rare but aggressive benign tumor, focusing on two patients whose tumors in the spine changed into a more dangerous type called osteosarcoma. The researchers found that, although this transition is uncommon, it can happen and emphasized the importance of careful surgical and diagnostic practices when dealing with these tumors. Specifically, they highlighted the need for thorough biopsies, especially if the tumor recurs, to avoid missing a potential malignancy. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and surgeons treating patients with spinal tumors.

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This study looked at a new way to stabilize the cervical spine (the neck area) in patients undergoing surgery for a specific type of cancer called Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma. The researchers used special rods made of carbon fiber and PEEK (a type of strong plastic) to support the spine during surgery. After two years, the patient showed no signs of the cancer coming back, and the spine implants remained stable without breaking. Who this helps: This approach benefits cancer patients requiring spine surgery, ensuring better stability and treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at the challenges faced during revision surgeries for tumors in the spine, particularly in the thoracic and lumbar regions. It found that common issues leading to these surgeries include infections, fluid leaks, tumor returns, and problems with surgical hardware. Understanding these complications can help improve how these surgeries are planned and executed, which is important for better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients needing spine tumor surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how different treatments affect the quality of life for patients with cancer that has spread to the cervical spine. Researchers compared outcomes for 55 patients, where 38 had surgery with or without radiation, while 17 only received radiation. They found that those who had surgery showed significant improvements in pain and overall quality of life over six months, whereas those treated with only radiation did not see meaningful improvements. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cervical spine metastases, especially those considering surgical interventions.

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This study looked at a new type of spinal implant made from a combination of carbon fiber and PEEK material, used in cervical spine surgeries for patients with tumors. Researchers followed six patients who received these implants and found that they experienced no complications during surgery, and three of them were able to receive postoperative radiation therapy without any issues in planning or delivery. This matters because it shows that these new implants can help avoid problems with traditional metal implants that can interfere with cancer treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing surgery for cervical spine tumors who need follow-up radiation therapy.

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This study looked at the use of a procedure called vertebroplasty (VTP), which is meant to relieve pain in patients with tumors in their spine. The researchers found that the material used in the procedure, PMMA, did not help fight the tumor; instead, they discovered signs of an immune response to the material without any positive impact on the tumor itself. This matters because it clarifies that vertebroplasty should not be considered a treatment for controlling tumors, and patients should explore other options like radiotherapy and surgery. Who this helps: Patients with spine tumors.

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This study focused on how to safely manage spine cancer surgery during the Covid-19 pandemic. It found that while emergency surgeries remain a priority, certain surgeries for low-grade spinal tumors can be delayed by several weeks without affecting the patient’s outcome due to their slow growth. This matters because it helps healthcare providers make informed decisions to minimize risks and optimize patient care during a time when medical resources are limited. Who this helps: This helps patients with spine tumors and their doctors in planning safer treatment options.