Neurosurgeons from the Copernicus Hospital in Łódź are conducting research on the use of innovative carbon fibre implants in the treatment of spinal cancer. The study aims to improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy by addressing their interference with medical imaging, a major drawback of traditional metal implants.
The research is being carried out by the Department of Neurosurgery and Cancer of the Nervous System, led by Kamil Krystkiewicz, PhD, MD. The project received nearly PLN 4 million in funding from the Polish Medical Research Agency and will include 226 patients.
“The study focuses on patients with diagnosed spinal metastatic disease who qualify for surgical treatment and have undergone postoperative stereotactic radiotherapy. Participation in the study is free. All you need is a consultation and qualification made by a research team from the Copernicus hospital,” said Krystkiewicz.
He explained that during surgery, a portion of the tumour is removed from the spine and the area is then stabilized using implants — typically metal screws and rods. However, metal components often cause distortions in CT and MRI imaging, making it difficult to plan further treatment.
“According to experts, the disadvantage of this solution is that metal parts cause distortion in the computed tomography and magnetic resonance images, which hinders the planning of further therapy, especially radiation therapy. Meanwhile, radiation therapy often determines the effectiveness of the entire treatment process,” he said.
The use of carbon fibre implants, by contrast, allows for clearer imaging, enabling doctors to assess the post-operative condition of the spine more accurately and plan radiotherapy with greater precision.
“Implants made of carbon fibre ensure a much better quality of imaging tests. Thanks to this, doctors can more accurately assess the condition of the spine after surgery and plan radiotherapy with more precision,” Krystkiewicz added.
The funding will cover the treatment of all study participants, who will receive the carbon implants during their surgeries. Patients will remain under the constant supervision of a multidisciplinary team throughout the course of treatment.
“People with a metastatic disease or suspected tumour metastases to the spine, who are interested in participating in the study, may report to the Neurosurgery Department Office at the Copernicus hospital in Łódź, or to oncological coordinators working in this institution. During treatment, study participants will remain under the constant care of a team of neurosurgeons and radiotherapists,” he said. (PAP)
PAP - Science in Poland
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