Author Description

This book offers a multidisciplinary approach to spine tumor management. Because of the unique mechanical and neurologic functions of the spine, spine tumors require special expertise. This expertise is spread out over many medical and surgical specialties and bringing this expertise together into a multidisciplinary team is a paradigm shift that has evolved over the 21st century. While many now acknowledge the advantages of a multidisciplinary approach, few have been able to marshal together a cohesive and effective team in practice. At MSKCC, a truly multidisciplinary team has been working together for over 2 decades. The objective of this work is intended to bring together that expertise into a single volume. The book is structured to emphasize the multidisciplinary considerations that are important for a successful program. Chapters cover diagnosis, the role of surgery, radiotherapy, management of toxicity, and rehabilitation. Actual case examples are used throughout to support the text. Each aspect of multidisciplinary care is discussed in evidence based chapters that explain the role of specific specialties and how their expertise fits into a cohesive whole. It is designed for maximal practicality and applicability. This is an ideal guide for practicing physicians and trainees in neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, radiation oncology, medical physics, physiatry, medical oncology, neurology, pain medicine, as well as advanced practice providers, nurses, and students.