Treatment of patients with bone metastases is one of the significant problems of modern oncology. The prognosis of a life expectancy associated with the histological pattern of a malignant tumor is the major and decisive factor in determining the appropriate surgical treatment option. According to how cancer spreads, surgery can be radical or palliative. An important task in this process is to preserve the quality of life of a patient. In this connection, reconstructive plastic surgery has become common in modern orthopedic oncology.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the results of surgical treatment in patients with sternal metastases.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The treatment of 14 patients who had undergone surgery for metastatic lesions of sternal elements was analyzed. Kidney cancer metastases were present in most patients (n=6 (43%)). The tumor was limited to the presternum in 5 (36%) patients and only to the body of the sternum in 5 (36%); and a combined lesion of the body and manubrium of the sternum was noted in 3 (28%) patients.
RESULTS
The median survival time was 17 months. Postsurgical improvement in quality of life according to the Karnofsky and EGOG scales was observed in the majority of patients (n=30 (86%)). Tumor recurrence was identified in 1 (7%) patient at 10 months after surgery. Complications were diagnosed in 2 (14%) patients. Tactical errors were detected in 1 (7%) patient.
CONCLUSION
Active surgical tactics for sternal metastatic lesions and a favorable prognosis for cancer can improve quality of life in a patient and prolong his life in case of a solitary lesion. The use of the new BoneMetaLife program for treatment policy development will reduce the likelihood of errors in choosing a method of orthopedic oncology support and increase the efficiency of treatment.