Recursive partitioning analysis is predictive of overall survival for patients undergoing spine stereotactic radiosurgery.

Spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) offers excellent radiographic and pain control for patients with spine metastases. We created a prognostic index using recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) to allow better patient selection for spine SRS. Patients who underwent single-fraction spine SRS for spine metastases were included.

Recursive partitioning analysis index is predictive for overall survival in patients undergoing spine stereotactic body radiation therapy for spinal metastases.

Purpose: To generate a prognostic index using recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) for patients undergoing spine stereotactic body radiation therapy (sSBRT) for spinal metastases (sMet).

Methods & Materials: From an institutional review board-approved database, 174 patients were treated for sMet with sSBRT between February 2006 and August 2009. Median dose was 14 Gy (range, 8-24 Gy), typically in a single fraction (range, 1-5).