Spine is a common site of metastasis in patients with malignant tumors, and tumor metastasis to the spine can lead to pain, pathological fractures, and nerve compression. In order to optimize the diagnosis and management of patients with spinal metastases and metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK proposed the first diagnostic and treatment guidelines for patients with MSCC (or at risk of MSCC) in 2008. In recent years, with the rapid advancement of spinal surgery and radiotherapy technology, the standardized process of MSCC diagnosis and treatment urgently needs to be updated. In 2023, NICE launched new guidelines for spinal metastases and MSCC. Based on a thorough study of the guidelines, this article discusses and interprets pain management, corticosteroid treatment, application of bisphosphonates and denosumab, tools for assessing spinal stability and prognosis, radiation therapy, surgical timing and approach, etc., providing reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment in China.
The spine is one of the most common sites for bone metastases from malignant tumors, and its incidence is increasing year by year. It often leads to severe pain, pathological fractures, nerve compression, and spinal cord dysfunction, seriously affecting the quality of life of patients. The comprehensive treatment of spinal metastases with both traditional Chinese and Western medicine has shown significant efficacy, especially in improving clinical symptoms, promoting postoperative recovery as soon as possible, and enhancing the quality of life. Based on the latest research progress at home and abroad and from the perspective of clinical application, this guideline, grounded in evidence-based medical evidence, has formed 25 recommendations covering treatment objectives, efficacy evaluation, rational selection of traditional Chinese medicine, treatment plans, and postoperative rehabilitation. It provides diagnostic and therapeutic suggestions for orthopedic oncologists, oncologists, radiologists, pain specialists, and other professionals engaged in traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine, or integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, as well as specialized nurses.