Predictive score for vertebral compression fracture after stereotactic body radiation therapy for spinal metastases

Vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is a potential adverse effect following treatment with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for spinal metastasies. There is an unmet need for identification of patients with high VCF risk after SBRT. A retrospective cohort study at the Mayo Clinic identified four key predictors of VCF: epidural tumor extension, lumbar location, a gross tumor volume of more than 10 cc, and a spinal instability neoplastic score of more than 6. Patients with three or four of these risk factors were at high risk for VCF. These patients may potentially benefit from undergoing prophylactic spinal stabilization or vertebroplasty.