Translational Research in Surgical Applications and Spinal Tumors

Over the past 20 years, translational research efforts have identified molecular targets for spine tumor treatment. Genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications driving tumor development have been explored, with the goal of creating targeted therapeutics for these diseases. The goal of this special issue is to review the fund of preclinical knowledge that has accrued, and to describe how these studies are crossing over from the bench to the bedside.

Spinal tumors include both primary and metastatic processes. To date, there have been few successful clinical trials for primary tumor treatment, such as chordoma. Further, there is limited data on the correlation between primary and metastatic tumor in terms of their genetic markers. The goal of this special issue is to review the work that is being done in these fields, and to provide a deeper understanding of this complex issue.

The scope of this research issue encompasses in vitro and in vivo studies of molecular targets in primary and metastatic tumors, genetic and epigenetic investigations from local tissue banks, case reports of unique clinical presentations and molecular diagnostics within these patients, molecular markers within small cohort studies, clinical trials or literature reviews. This special issue also welcomes studies and research on surgical methods and therapies around spinal tumours and oncology.