Surgical Strategies for Chordoma

Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2020 Apr;31(2):251-261. doi: 10.1016/j.nec.2019.11.007. Epub 2020 Jan 16.

Abstract

Chordomas are rare tumors of the axial skeleton whose slow growth belies a relentless tumor with a propensity for recurrence and late metastasis. Local control remains an issue with chordoma in spite of aggressive operative management. High local failure rates have led to the exploration of alternative methods of treatment. Radiation continues to gain acceptance as an adjuvant to surgery and, in some cases, as a standalone treatment. However, the use of radiation remains controversial, and operative management remains the standard of care in spite of relatively high morbidity.

Keywords: Chordoma; Principles; Recurrence; Resection; Surgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chordoma / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery*
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant / methods
  • Skeleton / surgery*
  • Spinal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome