Microwave ablation combined with cementoplasty under real-time temperature monitoring in the treatment of 82 patients with recurrent spinal metastases after radiotherapy

BACKGROUND: The spine is the most frequently affected part of the skeletal system to metastatic tumors. External radiotherapy is considered the first-line standard of care for these patients with spine metastases. Recurrent spinal metastases after radiotherapy cannot be treated with further radiotherapy within a short period of time, making treatment difficult. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MWA combined with cementoplasty in the treatment of spinal metastases after radiotherapy under real-time temperature monitoring. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 82 patients with 115 spinal metastatic lesions were treated with MWA and cementoplasty under real-time temperature monitoring. Changes in visual analog scale (VAS) scores, daily morphine consumption, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were noted. A paired Student’s t-test was used to assess these parameters. Complications during the procedure were graded using the CTCAE version 5.0. RESULTS: Technical success was attained in all patients. The mean VAS score was 6.3 ± 2.0 (range, 4–10) before operation, and remarkable decline was noted in one month (1.7 ± 1.0 [P < .001]), three months (1.4 ± 0.8 [P < .001]), and six months (1.3 ± 0.8 [P < .001]) after the operation. Significant reductions in daily morphine consumption and ODI scores were also observed (P < .05). Cement leakage was found in 27.8% (32/115) of lesions, with no obvious associated symptoms. CONCLUSION: MWA combined with cementoplasty under real-time temperature monitoring is an effective and safe method for recurrent spinal metastases after radiotherapy.