A Prospective Analysis of Reported Challenges and Resource Utilization Among Spine Tumor Patients

Introduction: The treatment of spine tumors and advanced cancer metastasis remains complex, often requiring multidisciplinary intervention. Identifying resources and programs helpful to spine tumor patients can not only reduce patient and provider distress, but also improve clinical outcomes. Thus, this study aims to analyze reported challenges and resource utilization among spine tumor patients at an academic cancer center.

Methods: Spine tumor patients seen at an academic cancer center were enrolled and consented in accordance with IRB protocols. Patients presenting for follow-up were classified as post-operative and all others were pre-operative. Challenges and perceived utility were summarized as mean ± SD (out of 10 for pain and 5 for all else) and differences across groups were compared using t-tests for differences in means.

Results: A total of 31 pre-operative and 20 post-operative spine tumor patients were enrolled and surveyed. Average reported pain was significantly higher in the pre-operative group compared to the post-operative group (4.3 ± 2.6 vs. 2.5 ± 1.6, p < 0.01). Physical issues were rated as the largest issue (2.9 ± 1.2, n = 51), followed by psychological and social issues (2.0 ± 1.3, n = 51); however only the latter was significantly different between pre-operative and post-operative groups (p = 0.05). Talking to a similar patient was rated as the most helpful resource in the pre-operative group (3.9 ± 1.3), followed by palliative care (3.6 ± 1.6) and peer support groups (3.6 ± 1.4). Comparatively, having a virtual student navigator was rated as the most helpful in the post-operative group (3.7 ± 1.5).

Conclusion : Programs such as a peer-mentorship group may be particularly helpful for pre-operative spine tumor patients while programs such as a virtual student navigator may be helpful for post-operative follow-up in this population. This study provides valuable insights on perceptions of helpfulness among spine tumor patients, as well as how these change throughout the operative period.