Radiation Oncology 101 for Surgeons: What You Need to Know in 2021

Description

In this educational presentation, Dr. Zain Husain, a radiation oncologist at Sunnybrook, discusses the critical aspects of radiation oncology for surgeons as of 2020. He begins by outlining the prevalence of bone metastases, emphasizing the significance of understanding patient prognosis based on cancer histology. The talk delves into conventional radiation methods and their efficacy in pain control, leading to an exploration of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Dr. Husain illustrates the advancements of SBRT over traditional radiation, showcasing improved pain relief and local tumor control rates supported by recent clinical studies. He explains the importance of accurate targeting during treatment and the outcomes of rising patient expectations post-SBRT. The presentation also highlights the necessity for collaboration between surgeons and radiation oncologists, advocating for combined approaches that enhance patient outcomes, particularly in managing epidural disease. Throughout, visual aids are utilized to depict treatment methodologies and patient responses, concluding with the significant challenges and future directions of SBRT in spine cancer treatment.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210341

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