Treatment Planning for Electrochemotherapy of Spinal Metastases

Bone metastases can be effectively treated by electrochemotherapy (ECT). Clinical studies report a reduction in pain, preservation of bone stability, and absence of neurologic symptoms after treatment. The transpedicular approach is a promising approach for the treatment of spinal metastases with ECT. The success and safety of treatment can be improved with computer-assisted treatment planning. Patients’ medical images are used to create an anatomically correct numerical models in which optimal electrode placement and treatment parameters are determined to ensure complete tumor coverage and minimal risk of spinal cord injury. We developed an algorithm to optimize electrode positions and voltages, which significantly reduces the time and expertise required to develop a treatment plan for the transpedicular approach.