LITT at MD Anderson

[FrankyB4]

Has anyone had a spine bone met treated with LITT at MD Anderson? Any experiences would be appreciated. Thanks.

[GP24]

The therapy is described here: mdanderson.org/cancerwise/f...

[FrankyB4 in reply to GP24]

Yes, I have that.

[Vangogh1961]

Sounds as good as any surgery, actually better since the incision is small.

[Retireddoc]

It is an option depending on the location of the tumor in relation to the vertebral body (and the other bony parts that surround the spinal cord) and the spinal cord itself. When I was in practice I used to perform this procedure to ablate a variety of different tumors in different locations. It can be highly effective and has limited side effects in experienced, capable hands.

I had one isolated prostate met to my spine (T8) 2 years ago. I elected to have radiation (SBRT) to kill the tumor. It is also effective with an 80-95% success rate. It usually requires 3 sessions that take 5 minutes on the table and has very limited side effects and complications when performed at a COE.

To the best of my knowledge, opting for one of these procedures doesn't negate having the other should the tumor not be completely eradicated.

Treatment options have improved significantly over the past few years. Having several options to choose from that will actually eradicate the tumor wasn't an option in the past.

[FrankyB4 in reply to Retireddoc]

Thank you- that is very helpful. I had SBRT to C6 and two years later it reappeared- either residual or recurrent- so considering options. Thanks again.

[Mgtd in reply to Retireddoc]

Really appreciate you sharing that input. Speaking as an authority really makes a difference. Thanks.

[j-o-h-n in reply to Retireddoc]

Hey Doc, I'm getting to like you....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[chips1942 in reply to Retireddoc]

Hi, I’m considering focal therapy to a 2.2 cm SUV 10.3 nodule in my lung lower left lobe. which is continuing to grow. Upper lung left lobe lobectomy. Possibly SBRT, LITT, HIFU etc. Concerned about further reduction in lung function. Can you share any insight about focal treatments which would be effective, accurate and limit damage to adjacent lung tissue?

[Retireddoc in reply to chips1942]

It's hard to give you are good answer without knowing more about your specific situation, pulmonary function etc. I will say that for me, SBRT is a very attractive option to kill a focal tumor almost anywhere (there are exceptions, of course) in the body. It is painless, effective and conserves lung function as it can target the nodule within mm with little damage to surrounding tissues.

Percutaneous ablation using heating or freezing is an option ( but, again, not giving advice, only stating what I might consider) but is more invasive and I don't see any real advantage over SBRT. When seeking consultation it is important to realize that the specialist may be biased towards the procedure they perform. That is why an experienced, neutral MO can give you good advice. They don't have a dog in the hunt since they don't personally perform any of these procedures.

Good luck!

[chips1942 in reply to Retireddoc]

Thank you for your reply to my question. I appreciate your insight and realize that any guidance given on this site is not professional advice. My request was trying to differentiate between SBRT & what seemed like an innovative approach to LITT with MRI mapping and precise treatment delivery. With SBRT I have not heard of live treatment monitoring. Do you know of any Medical Center of Excellence or doctor where both treatments are performed so I get an unbiased perspective in comparing the two treatments? Regards, Phil

[Retireddoc in reply to chips1942]

I do not know specifically, but I would bet that any Center Of Excellence that is performing LITT would also be performing high quality SBRT.

[jazj in reply to chips1942]

I'm no doctor, but in general based on much research, I came to the conclusion therapies like HIFU and Cryotherapy were simply proven, on average, to be inferior treatments that appealed to patients desperately looking for alternatives due to being scared as hell of just the idea of surgery and/or radiation. Not to say they never are curative.

   Retireddoc is spot on about the risk of the specialist being biased towards the treatment they specialize in. Find an Oncologist at the nearest Center of Excellence (typically major Universities or John Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, etc.)

[chips1942 in reply to jazj]

jazj, Thanks, for sharing your insight.