Episode 17: When Cancer Spreads to the Spine. A Conversation with Dr. Mark Bilsky

One of oncology’s greatest challenges in treating cancer is when it spreads to a different part of the body. When cancer spreads to the spine, it presents unique challenges for doctors creating a successful treatment plan. On this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing the chief of Oncology at Sloan Kettering, and one of my mentors, Dr. Mark Bilsky. We’ll discuss the logistics of his practice, surgical and non-surgical treatment strategies, as well as recent advances in the field of spinal oncology.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• Getting to know Dr. Mark Bilsky and his practice [0:56]
• Why Dr. Bilsky decided to focus on spinal oncology [4:18]
• The epidemiology of spinal cancer, the role surgery plays in treatment, and how surgical techniques and equipment have changed over time [6:45]
• How Dr. Bilsky evaluates spinal metastases at his center and the logistics of his practice [18:03]
• Examining advances in radiosurgery and the systems Dr. Bilsky uses at Sloan Kettering [23:51]
• Treating instability in spinal cancer patients [25:48]
• Rapid-fire updates on modeling management for various types of tumors [28:42]
• The magic wand question [33:19]

Connect with Dr. Mark Bilsky

• Mark H. Bilsky | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 

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• https://maxwellboakye.com/podcast
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