In the phase III RTOG 0631 trial, patients with 1 to 3 vertebral metastases were randomized 2:1 to either SRS (16 or 18 Gy in 1 fraction) or cEBRT (8 Gy given to the involved vertebra plus 1 additional vertebra above and below in a single fraction). The primary end point of pain response at 3 months favored cEBRT (41.3% for SRS vs 60.5% for cEBRT; p=0.01)
Given the results of this trial, do you routinely offer spine SBRT for palliation?
If so, what dose/fractionation scheme do you prefer to employ, and why?