RSS-Feed abonnieren
DOI: 10.1055/a-2715-5182
Metastasen der Brustwirbelsäule: interdisziplinäre chirurgische Strategien zwischen Thoraxchirurgie und Neurochirurgie
Thoracic Spine Metastases: Interdisciplinary Surgical Strategies Between Thoracic and NeurosurgeryAutoren
Zusammenfassung
Metastasen der Brustwirbelsäule sind eine häufige Manifestation fortgeschrittener maligner Erkrankungen und erfordern teilweise ein interdisziplinäres Management. Aufgrund der komplexen anatomischen Verhältnisse im thorakalen Bereich, insbesondere der Nähe zu Mediastinalorganen, Gefäßen und dem Rückenmark, ist eine präzise Planung der operativen Durchführung essenziell. Die thoraxchirurgische Expertise ist vor allem bei der Mobilisierung mediastinaler Strukturen, der Kontrolle großer Gefäße und der Herstellung eines sicheren vorderen Zugangs von zentraler Bedeutung. Insbesondere bei gleichzeitiger Beteiligung der Thoraxorgane und der spinalen Achse. Die neurochirurgische Rolle konzentriert sich auf die Dekompression neuraler Strukturen, die Entfernung tumoröser Gewebe und die biomechanische Stabilisierung der Wirbelsäule. Beide Fachdisziplinen kooperieren eng, zeitweise auch simultan im Operationssaal, um die chirurgischen, funktionellen und onkologischen Ziele zu erreichen. Fortschritte in der intraoperativen Bildgebung, der Navigation, Robotik sowie der minimalinvasiven Techniken ermöglichen heute eine individualisierte, schonendere und effektivere Behandlung als noch vor wenigen Jahren. Darüber hinaus erfordert die moderne Therapie spinaler Metastasen die Einbindung weiterer Fachrichtungen wie Onkologie, Strahlentherapie und Schmerztherapie. Studien zeigen, dass eine strukturierte interdisziplinäre Versorgung zu besseren neurologischen Outcomes, einer höheren Lebensqualität und optimierten Anschlussbehandlungen führt. Der vorliegende Artikel beleuchtet die Schnittpunkte von Thorax- und Neurochirurgie bei der operativen Versorgung thorakaler Wirbelsäulenmetastasen, analysiert etablierte Verfahren und aktuelle Entwicklungen und zeigt auf, wie durch technologische und strukturelle Innovationen eine hochwertige, patientenzentrierte Versorgung realisiert werden kann.
Abstract
Thoracic spine metastases are a common manifestation of advanced malignancies and may in some cases require interdisciplinary management. Due to the complex anatomy of the thoracic region, particularly the proximity to mediastinal organs, major vessels, and the spinal cord, precise preoperative planning and surgical execution are essential. Thoracic surgical expertise is crucial for mobilising intrathoracic structures, securing vascular control, and establishing a safe anterior surgical corridor, especially in diseases involving thoracic organs and the spine. Neurosurgery focuses on decompression of neural elements, tumour resection, and biomechanical stabilisation of the spine. Different disciplines must work closely together, often simultaneously in the operating theatre, in order to achieve surgical, functional, and oncological goals. Advances in intraoperative imaging, navigation, robotics, and minimally invasive techniques have led to more individualised, safer, and more effective procedures than previously possible. Furthermore, the modern treatment of spinal metastases requires integration of oncology, radiation therapy and pain medicine. Studies demonstrate that structured, interdisciplinary care improves neurological outcomes, enhances quality of life, and facilitates timely continuation of systemic therapies. This article highlights the surgical intersection between thoracic and neurosurgery in the management of thoracic spine metastases, analyses established and emerging techniques, and illustrates how technological and organisational innovations enable high-quality, patient-centred treatment strategies.
Publikationsverlauf
Eingereicht: 01. August 2025
Angenommen nach Revision: 29. September 2025
Artikel online veröffentlicht:
21. Oktober 2025
© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany
-
Literatur
- 1 Laufer I, Rubin DG, Lis E. et al. The NOMS Framework: Approach to the Treatment of Spinal Metastatic Tumors. Oncologist 2013; 18: 744-751
- 2 Batson OV. The Function of the Vertebral Veins and their Role in the Spread of Metastases. Ann Surg 1940; 112: 138-149
- 3 Maccauro G, Spinelli MS, Mauro S. et al. Physiopathology of Spine Metastasis. Int J Surg Oncol 2011; 2011: 107969
- 4 Litak J, Czyżewski W, Szymoniuk M. et al. Biological and Clinical Aspects of Metastatic Spinal Tumors. Cancers 2022; 14: 4599
- 5 Sciubba DM, Petteys RJ, Dekutoski MB. et al. Diagnosis and management of metastatic spine disease: A review. J Neurosurg Spine 2010; 13: 94-108
- 6 Wong DA, Fornasier VL, MacNab I. Spinal metastases: the obvious, the occult, and the impostors. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 1990; 15: 1-4
- 7 Fehlings MG, Nater A, Tetreault L. et al. Survival and Clinical Outcomes in Surgically Treated Patients With Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression: Results of the Prospective Multicenter AOSpine Study. J Clin Oncol 2015; 34: 268-276
- 8 Tokuhashi Y, Matsuzaki H, Toriyama S. et al. Scoring System for the Preoperative Evaluation of Metastatic Spine Tumor Prognosis. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 1990; 15: 1110-1113
- 9 Fisher CG, Schouten R, Versteeg AL. et al. Reliability of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) among radiation oncologists: an assessment of instability secondary to spinal metastases. Radiat Oncol 2014; 9: 69
- 10 Arana E, Kovacs FM, Royuela A. et al. Spine Instability Neoplastic Score: agreement across different medical and surgical specialties. Spine J 2016; 16: 591-599
- 11 Dakson A, Leck E, Brandman DM. et al. The clinical utility of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) system in spinal epidural metastases: a retrospective study. Spinal Cord 2020; 58: 892-899
- 12 MacLean MA, Touchette CJ, Georgiopoulos M. et al. Systemic considerations for the surgical treatment of spinal metastatic disease: a scoping literature review. Lancet Oncol 2022; 23: e321-e333
- 13 Schuetze K, Rau B, Dehner C. et al. Spine surgery in a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room: an experience of 1745 implanted pedicle screws in the thoracolumbar spine. J Robot Surg 2023; 17: 1365-1370
- 14 Gharios M, El-Hajj VG, Frisk H. et al. The use of hybrid operating rooms in neurosurgery, advantages, disadvantages, and future perspectives: a systematic review. Acta Neurochir 2023; 165: 2343-2358
- 15 Hinojosa-Gonzalez DE, Roblesgil-Medrano A, Villarreal-Espinosa JB. et al. Minimally Invasive versus Open Surgery for Spinal Metastasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Asian Spine J 2022; 16: 583-597
- 16 Ghaednia H, Fourman MS, Lans A. et al. Augmented and virtual reality in spine surgery, current applications and future potentials. Spine J 2021; 21: 1617-1625
- 17 Mattei TA, Rodriguez AH, Sambhara D. et al. Current state-of-the-art and future perspectives of robotic technology in neurosurgery. Neurosurg Rev 2014; 37: 357-366
- 18 Flynn SC, Eli IM, Ghogawala Z. et al. Minimally Invasive Surgery for Spinal Metastasis: A Review. World Neurosurg 2022; 159: e32-e39
- 19 Balasubramaniam S, Tyagi DK, Zafar SH. et al. Transthoracic approach for lesions involving the anterior dorsal spine: A multidisciplinary approach with good outcomes. J Craniovertebr Junction Spine 2016; 7: 236-242
- 20 Sundaresan N, Galicich JH, Lane JM. et al. Treatment of neoplastic epidural cord compression by vertebral body resection and stabilization. J Neurosurg 1985; 63: 676 684
- 21 Conti A, Acker G, Kluge A. et al. Decision Making in Patients With Metastatic Spine. The Role of Minimally Invasive Treatment Modalities. Front Oncol 2019; 9: 915
- 22 Hoehmann CL, Hitscherich K, Cuoco JA. The Artery of Adamkiewicz: Vascular Anatomy, Clinical Significance and Surgical Considerations. Int J Cardiovasc Res 2016; 05
- 23 Maralani PJ, Lo SS, Redmond K. et al. Spinal metastases: multimodality imaging in diagnosis and stereotactic body radiation therapy planning. Futur Oncol 2017; 13: 77-91
- 24 Shah LM, Salzman KL. Imaging of Spinal Metastatic Disease. Int J Surg Oncol 2011; 2011: 769753
- 25 Bloomer CW, Ackerman A, Bhatia RG. Imaging for Spine Tumors and New Applications. Top Magn Reson Imaging 2006; 17: 69-87
- 26 Aoude A, Amiot LP. A comparison of the modified Tokuhashi and Tomita scores in determining prognosis for patients afflicted with spinal metastasis. Can J Surg 2014; 57: 188-193
- 27 Ulmar B, Reichel H, Catalkaya S. et al. Evaluation and Modification of the Tomita Score in 217 Patients with Vertebral Metastases. Oncol Res Treat 2007; 30: 414-418
- 28 Ulmar B, Naumann U, Catalkaya S. et al. Prognosis Scores of Tokuhashi and Tomita for Patients With Spinal Metastases of Renal Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2007; 14: 998-1004
- 29 Sundaresan N, Rothman A, Manhart K. et al. Surgery for Solitary Metastases of the Spine: Rationale and Results of Treatment. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2002; 27: 1802
- 30 Kato S, Demura S, Shinmura K. et al. Surgical Metastasectomy in the Spine: A Review Article. Oncologist 2021; 26: e1833-e1843
- 31 Groszman L, Hubermann JA, Kooner P. et al. The Impact of Adjunct Medical Therapy on Survival after Spine Metastasis: A Systematic Review and Pooled Data Analysis. Cancers 2024; 16: 1425
- 32 Quraishi NA, Gokaslan ZL, Boriani S. The surgical management of metastatic epidural compression of the spinal cord. J Bone Joint Surg Br 2010; 92: 1054-1060
- 33 Giraldo AP, Dammerer V, Neugebauer J. et al. Current Concepts in the Management and Treatment of Spinal Metastases—A Systematic Literature Review. Cancers 2025; 17: 1296
- 34 Siegal T, Siegal T. Surgical decompression of anterior and posterior malignant epidural tumors compressing the spinal cord: a prospective study. Neurosurgery 1985; 17: 424-432
- 35 Overby MC, Rothman AS. Anterolateral decompression for metastatic epidural spinal cord tumors. Results of a modified costotransversectomy approach. J Neurosurg 1985; 62: 344-348
- 36 Siegal T, Siegal T, Robin G. et al. Anterior decompression of the spine for metastatic epidural cord compression: A promising avenue of therapy?. Ann Neurol 1982; 11: 28-34
- 37 Harrington KD. Anterior cord decompression and spinal stabilization for patients with metastatic lesions of the spine. J Neurosurg 1984; 61: 107-117
- 38 Loblaw DA, Perry J, Chambers A. et al. Systematic Review of the Diagnosis and Management of Malignant Extradural Spinal Cord Compression: The Cancer Care Ontario Practice Guidelines Initiative’s Neuro-Oncology Disease Site Group. J Clin Oncol 2005; 23: 2028-2037
- 39 Patchell RA, Tibbs PA, Regine WF. et al. Direct decompressive surgical resection in the treatment of spinal cord compression caused by metastatic cancer: a randomised trial. Lancet 2005; 366: 643648
- 40 Meyer M, Farah K, Aurélie T. et al. Management of Spinal Metastasis by Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques: Surgical Principles and Indications—A Literature Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12: 5165
- 41 Fourney DR, Abi-Said D, Lang FF. et al. Use of pedicle screw fixation in the management of malignant spinal disease: experience in 100 consecutive procedures. J Neurosurg Spine 2001; 94: 25-37
- 42 Chandra SP, Ramdurg SR, Kurwale N. et al. Extended costotransversectomy to achieve circumferential fusion for pathologies causing thoracic instability. Spine J 2014; 14: 2094-2101
- 43 Lubelski D, Abdullah KG, Mroz TE. et al. Lateral Extracavitary vs Costotransversectomy Approaches to the Thoracic Spine: Reflections on Lessons Learned. Neurosurgery 2012; 71: 1096-1102
- 44 Wiggins GC, Mirza S, Bellabarba C. et al. Perioperative complications with costotransversectomy and anterior approaches to thoracic and thoracolumbar tumors. Neurosurg Focus 2001; 11: 1-9
- 45 Naga ANE, Gendelberg D, Tavolaro C. et al. Thoracic costotransversectomy characteristics and 90-day complications vary based on underlying diagnosis. J Neurosurg Spine 2023; 39: 831-838
- 46 Lenke LG, Sides BA, Koester LA. et al. Vertebral Column Resection for the Treatment of Severe Spinal Deformity. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2010; 468: 687-699
- 47 Zhou RP, Mummaneni PV, Chen KY. et al. Outcomes of Posterior Thoracic Corpectomies for Metastatic Spine Tumors: An Analysis of 90 Patients. World Neurosurg 2019; 123: e371-e378
- 48 Tomita K, Toribatake Y, Kawahara N. et al. Total en bloc spondylectomy and circumspinal decompression for solitary spinal metastasis. Spinal Cord 1994; 32: 36-46
- 49 Tomita K, Kawahara N, Baba H. et al. Total en bloc spondylectomy for solitary spinal metastases. Int Orthop 1994; 18: 291-298
- 50 Yao KC, Boriani S, Gokaslan ZL. et al. En bloc spondylectomy for spinal metastases: a review of techniques. Neurosurg Focus 2003; 15: 1-6
- 51 Boriani S, Gasbarrini A, Bandiera S. et al. En Bloc Resections in the Spine: The Experience of 220 Patients During 25 Years. World Neurosurg 2017; 98: 217-229
- 52 Barzilai O, Fisher CG, Bilsky MH. State of the Art Treatment of Spinal Metastatic Disease. Neurosurgery 2018; 82: 757-769
- 53 Hubertus V, Wagner A, Albrecht C. et al. Carbon fiber–reinforced PEEK implants in oncologic spine surgery: a multicenter experience on implications for postoperative patient management. J Neurosurg: Spine 2025; 42: 1-10
- 54 Müller BS, Ryang YM, Oechsner M. et al. The dosimetric impact of stabilizing spinal implants in radiotherapy treatment planning with protons and photons: standard titanium alloy vs. radiolucent carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK systems. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2020; 21: 6-14
- 55 Ringel F, Ryang YM, Kirschke JS. et al. Radiolucent Carbon Fiber–Reinforced Pedicle Screws for Treatment of Spinal Tumors: Advantages for Radiation Planning and Follow-Up Imaging. World Neurosurg 2017; 105: 294-301
- 56 Schwendner M, Ille S, Kirschke JS. et al. Clinical evaluation of vertebral body replacement of carbon fiber–reinforced polyetheretherketone in patients with tumor manifestation of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Acta Neurochir 2023; 165: 897-904
- 57 Black P. Spinal metastasis: current status and recommended guidelines for management. Neurosurgery 1979; 5: 726-746
- 58 Grant R, Papadopoulos SM, Sandler HM. et al. Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression: current concepts and treatment. J Neurooncology 1994; 19: 79-92
- 59 Fehlings MG, Hachem LD, Tetreault LA. et al. Timing of Decompressive Surgery in Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review Update. Glob Spine J 2024; 14: 38S-57S
- 60 Newman WC, Patel A, Goldberg JL. et al. The importance of multidisciplinary care for spine metastases: initial tumor management. Neurooncol Pract 2020; 7 (Suppl. 1) i25-i32
- 61 Fehlings MG, Tetreault LA, Hachem L. et al. An Update of a Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Recommendations on the Role and Timing of Decompressive Surgery. Glob Spine J 2024; 14: 174S-186S
- 62 Fomchenko EI, Bayley JC, Alvarez-Breckenridge C. et al. Spinal Metastases and the Evolving Role of Molecular Targeted Therapy, Chemotherapy, and Immunotherapy. Neurospine 2022; 19: 978-993
- 63 Guo L, Ke L, Zeng Z. et al. Stereotactic body radiotherapy for spinal metastases: a review. Med Oncol 2022; 39: 103
- 64 Kim JM, Losina E, Bono CM. et al. Clinical outcome of metastatic spinal cord compression treated with surgical excision ± radiation versus radiation therapy alone: a systematic review of literature. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2012; 37: 78-84
