Randomized Study of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy vs. Conventional Radiation for Spine Metastasis

The purpose of this study is to determine how effective SBRT is compared to traditional radiation in treating the cancer that has spread to your spine and is causing pain. SBRT is delivered at a higher dose for a shorter period of time when compared to standard radiation therapy and the aim is to see if there will be an improvement both in pain control and your cancer It is not known whether SBRT is better or worse than current standard therapy. If you are selected to receive the experimental treatment in this research study, SBRT uses highly focused x-rays that deliver a single high dose to a specific area of the spine compared to conventional standard radiation over a period of 10 days which has been the standard proven treatment to help your condition. The investigators will also determine which treatment provides the most rapid pain relief with the least side effects. It is possible that SBRT may not be better or could be more toxic. The investigators will conduct quality of life assessments and pain scale index to assess how you are feeling once you have had the intervention.