Optimal neuro | spine: When Cancer Spreads to the Spine: A Conversation with Dr. Mark Bilsky

Episode 17

One of oncology’s greatest challenges in treating cancer is when it spreads to a different part of the body. When cancer spreads to the spine, it presents unique challenges for doctors creating a successful treatment plan. On this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing the chief of Oncology at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and one of my mentors, Dr. Mark Bilsky. We’ll discuss the logistics of his practice, surgical and non-surgical treatment strategies, as well as recent advances in the field of spinal oncology.

This episode’s points of interest cover:

• Getting to know Dr. Mark Bilsky and his practice
• Why Dr. Bilsky decided to focus on spinal oncology
• The epidemiology of spinal cancer, the role surgery plays in treatment, and how surgical techniques and equipment have changed over time
• How Dr. Bilsky evaluates spinal metastases at his center and the logistics of his practice
• Examining advances in radiosurgery and the systems Dr. Bilsky uses at Sloan Kettering
• Treating instability in spinal cancer patients
• Rapid-fire updates on modeling management for various types of tumors
• The magic wand question

Listen to this and other in-depth conversations on your favorite Podcast:

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Dr. Max Boakye, Neurosurgeon, and Neuroscientist, currently Professor of Neurosurgery, Chief of Spinal Neurosurgery, Director of Quality Improvement, and Clinical Director of the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, interviews leading neuroscientists, health administrators, neurosurgeons, educators, neuro and spine health care experts, and patients in his Podcast show: Optimal neuro|spine. His in-depth conversations brings to light topics on: How do we optimize our brain and spine health, prevent aging brain and memory deterioration What to do when something goes wrong, how best to heal and recover injured brain and back How do we optimize our inpatient neuro|spine care in hospitals and provide more value-based care- prevent errors, improve quality, and improve patient satisfaction How do we teach better and better train doctors Which hospitals offer the best neuro and spine care: why and how Dr. Boakye present the most innovative emerging research that will impact neuro|spine care. Join us as we delve one-on-one and have insightful conversations with exciting researchers and experts – voices who have something to teach, enlighten, and inspire us about Optimal neuro|spine.

Maxwell Boakye, MD, MPH Acting Director, KSCIRC