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NASS 2021: Controversies and Current Issues in Spinal Cord Tumors

In This Video

  • Spine surgeons and oncologists have differing opinions on the role of radiation in chordoma treatment and surgery
  • Implant technology is an area of focus for oncologists, who must consider all effects of implants on treatment, including radiologic factors
  • As surgical technique evolves, Joseph H. Schwab, MD, predicts a shift away from ablative surgeries when the ablation could cause a substantial negative effect on quality-of-life

As part of the North American Spine Society (NASS) 2021 annual conference, Joseph H. Schwab MD, chief of the Orthopaedic Spine Center, and director of Spine Oncology and co-director of the Stephan L. Harris Chordoma Center at Mass General Cancer Center, participated in an "Ask the Experts" filmed discussion titled "Controversies and Current Issues in Spinal Cord Tumors," alongside moderator Matt Goodwin, MD, of Washington University in St. Louis, and panelist Daniel Sciubba, MD, of Northwell Health.

In this video, the panel discusses the role of radiation in post-operative chordoma treatment; sacrectomies and the piriformis; implants and imaging; and the future of spinal oncology.

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