Conferences

The Spine Tumor Clinic offers a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to the care of adult and pediatric patients with tumors of the spine, and spinal cord as well as neurologic complications of cancer.

Patients can be referred for the development of a treatment plan in conjunction with their primary physician, for a second opinion, or for ongoing management by the Spine Tumor Center physicians.

Referred cases and cases submitted for consultation are reviewed at formal conferences held on Thursday mornings of each week. Materials reviewed include:

• Clinical summary, including all previous surgeries and treatments, as well as current clinical condition of the patient.
• Neurologic history
• Copies of the most recent MRI or CT scans.
• Operative reports.
• Pathology reports.
• Pathology slides, if possible.

The information provided will be evaluated and consultation opinions are performed with recommendations regarding therapeutic options such as:

• Surgery
• Conventional radiation therapy
• Proton beam radiosurgery
• Radiosurgery
• Standard and investigative chemotherapy

Results of the clinical discussions and treatment plans are provided to referring physicians and/or to patients and their families within one week of receipt.