Spinal Metastasis Pain Surveillance: A Comprehensive Imaging-Based Tool Design for Evaluating Metastatic Burden and Guiding Therapeutic Strategies.

Abstract

Background: The current research aims to elucidate the interplay between the anatomical distribution of spinal metastases, MRI features, and the intensity of bone pain in patients with breast cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was used on a cohort of 45 breast cancer patients with verified spinal metastases, examining the relationship between metastatic locations, MRI-derived metrics, and bone pain scores. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was conducted to measure the severity of bone pain. Results: The results revealed a significant association between lumbar spine metastases and elevated pain scores, outpacing those observed in thoracic and cervical regions. Furthermore, a strong correlation was found between the multiplicity of metastatic sites and the ratio of high-intensity areas on MRI, both of which were predictive of increased pain severity. Conclusions: The study's outcomes indicate that distinct MRI profiles, including the number and location of spinal metastases, can serve as prognostic indicators of bone pain intensity in breast cancer patients. Our data highlighted the need for personalized pain management strategies and targeted interventions tailored to specific imaging characteristics. Ultimately, this research underscores the dual role of MRI in both detecting spinal metastases and informing symptom management, with the potential to augment the overall well-being of breast cancer patients with spinal involvement.