Spinal Cord Tumor

The purpose of this research is to combine two complementary modes of treatment, spinal interstitial laser ablation and stereotactic spine radiosurgery (SSRS) for the treatment for spinal tumors near the spinal cord with an objective to improve tumor control, improve pain control, preserve function, and improve quality of life. We will also assess how effective these combined modes of treatment are in patients with spinal metastasis with an epidural component.

This is an open label, Phase 1b safety, dose-finding, brain tumor delivery, and pharmacokinetics study of intranasal NEO100 in patients with pediatric-type diffuse high grade gliomas. Patients will receive IN NEO100 that will follow a dose titration design, followed by a standard dose escalation design to establish safety. Brain tumor delivery of NEO100 will be confirmed in each disease sub-type by surgical resection/needle biopsy only if clinically indicated and scheduled for clinical purposes and testing with residual tissue for NEO100 and the major metabolite of NEO100 (Perillic Acid).

Spinal cord gliomas are the most common type of primary intramedullary malignant tumors, with a low incidence and a peak onset age of approximately 35 years. They are slightly more prevalent in males than females. Clinical manifestations vary depending on tumor characteristics and location, typically presenting with axial pain and displaying a tendency for unilateral, infiltrative growth. Prognosis is generally poor, and effective treatment options are limited aside from surgical resection. Common surgical approaches for intramedullary tumor removal include the posterior median sulcus approach, the dorsolateral sulcus approach, and surface entry techniques. Preliminary clinical observations suggest that the dorsolateral sulcus approach may offer superior preservation of neurological function and quality of life. However, due to limited research evaluating the safety and efficacy of different surgical routes, the traditional posterior median sulcus approach remains widely used. This single-center, registry-based cohort study aims to compare the outcomes of spinal cord glioma resection via the dorsolateral sulcus approach versus the posterior median sulcus approach. Patients with laterally located tumors undergoing surgical treatment, classified according to the 2021 WHO criteria, will be included. Neurological function scores and quality-of-life assessments will be used to evaluate prognosis and survival, in order to determine the optimal surgical approach for spinal cord glioma resection.