Description
This presentation by Jonathan Stevenson discusses the increasing prevalence and management of metastatic bone disease, particularly in the West Midlands. Stevenson emphasizes the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, addressing the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic which led to an increase in referrals due to trauma centers being overwhelmed. He highlights the necessity for stringent referral criteria, including the requirement for up-to-date imaging and the clinical history of patients. Specific management strategies are proposed for different scenarios involving solitary metastases and impending fractures.
Stevenson illustrates the need for a standardized approach to treat metastatic bone disease, referencing successful models from other regions, such as Liverpool and Leicester, where specialized orthopedic oncology centers effectively manage these cases. He calls for the establishment of networks for lead clinicians in each trauma center to enhance communication and streamline referrals while promoting research and quality improvement initiatives.
Furthermore, the presentation includes compelling case studies that underline the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. One case describes a patient with a solitary renal metastasis who faced an unnecessary amputation due to a lack of timely specialist input. Ultimately, Stevenson advocates for a careful, considerate strategy in responding to fractures in cancer patients, emphasizing that the urgency of surgical intervention may not always apply in oncological contexts. The talk concludes with a call to improve care pathways and ongoing education among healthcare providers.