Current Trends and Future Perspective of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumor Treatments

Abstract

  This report summarizes the current status and challenges in the treatment of intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Herein, we report the results of a multi-institutional study conducted by the Neurospinal Society of Japan. This study retrospectively analyzed 1,033 cases of intramedullary spinal cord tumor surgeries performed at 58 facilities affiliated with the society from 2009 to 2020, and evaluated the surgical outcomes and prognostic factors. Furthermore, we introduce an ongoing physician-initiated clinical trial aimed at expanding the indications for photodynamic therapy for malignant intramedullary spinal cord tumors. Finally, we discuss the current role of genetic diagnosis and future perspectives.