Overview
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a highly precise, image-guided radiotherapy technique delivering 1-5 high-dose fractions to spinal metastases. Compared with conventional radiotherapy, SBRT enables delivery of a higher biologically effective dose while maintaining high precision.
The Institute of Oncology Ljubljana initiated spinal SBRT treatments in 2017 and introduced an institutional SBRT spine protocol in 2019. As SBRT is technically demanding, strict adherence to standardized planning and delivery procedures is essential to ensure treatment quality and patient safety.
This clinical program aims to support structured implementation and continuous development of the institutional SBRT spine protocol in routine clinical practice. The study prospectively evaluates treatment-related toxicity and local tumor control following SBRT for spinal metastases in order to monitor treatment safety and effectiveness within the institutional program.
Description
This clinical program supports the structured implementation and continuous development of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for spinal metastases at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana.
The program includes prospective peer review of target delineation and treatment plans, structured educational activities for involved staff, and continuous quality assurance procedures to maintain protocol adherence and treatment standardization. Retrospective review of previously delivered SBRT plans may be performed to evaluate consistency with institutional protocol standards.
All enrolled patients receive SBRT according to the institutional SBRT spine protocol. Clinical evaluation focuses on treatment-related toxicity assessed using standardized criteria and on radiological local tumor control during follow-up. Toxicity is evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE), and local control is assessed using routine radiological imaging.
All collected data are anonymized. Participation in the study does not involve additional interventions, procedures, or risks beyond standard SBRT treatment and routine clinical follow-up.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adult patients (≥18 years) with spinal metastases or spinal tumors referred for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).
- Patients eligible for SBRT treatment according to the institutional SBRT spine protocol.
- Ability to undergo CT simulation, immobilization, and image-guided radiotherapy procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Inability to tolerate SBRT positioning or immobilization.
- Clinical situations requiring urgent surgical intervention or alternative treatment.
- Other medical conditions that prevent safe SBRT delivery.
