Ablation from Spine Metastases with STAR™

The first radiofrequency ablation system specifically developed for patients with metastatic spinal tumors.

Metastatic disease in the skeleton may occur in up to 85% of patients with the three most common types of cancer – breast, prostate and lung.¹ The spine is the most common site for bone metastasis, where it commonly affects multiple vertebral levels.² For patients, this can cause debilitating pain, numbness, and even paralysis as these tumors impinge on neurologic tissue and weaken the structure of the vertebrae. Targeted Radiofrequency Ablation (t-RFA) with the STAR™ Tumor Ablation System was developed to provide these patients a new, minimally invasive treatment option to alleviate pain.

Access and Navigation in 3 dimensions

The STAR™ Tumor Ablation System is designed and purpose-built for the palliative treatment of metastatic vertebral body lesions. With active steering capabilities, the SpineSTAR ™ Ablation Instrument enables physicians to create site-specific ablation zones throughout the vertebral body from a unipedicular approach, thereby minimizing the number of times instrumentation must pass the spinal canal while still providing 3-dimensional access to the vertebral body.

Controlled Ablation Zone

The STAR™ Tumor Ablation System offers controlled thermal distribution that produces a consistent and predictable ablation zone. The steep thermal gradient produced by the SpineSTAR™ Ablation Instrument is designed to minimize impact to vital structures adjacent to the ablation zone.

Intelligent Energy Delivery

The MetaSTAR™ RF Generator displays real-time feedback to the physician including RF cycle time, active impedance measurements, and current temperatures at multiple locations within and at the periphery of the ablation zone.

Benefits of the STAR Ablation System:

With its use of targeted RF energy, the STAR™ System improves the physician’s ability to offer acute pain relief by a single, minimally invasive procedure that is compatible with both chemo and radiation therapy.

• Rapid pain relief (prior to an eventual radiation therapy)
• Minimally invasive, procedure with potential to reduce tumor mass
• Targeted treatment for radio-resistant lesions
• Alternative for patients who have reached their cumulative toxicity limit
• Compatible with current treatment algorithms
• Improves life quality

RFA & Augmentation in Treatment of Metastic Spine Disease, Jonathan Morris (37 min.)

Further Information

1. Kurup AN und Callstrom MR. J VascIntervRadiol. 2010;21:S242-S250.
2. Constans JP, et al., J Neurosurg 59:111-118,1983.

Tumor Ablation Against Bone Metastases

Having constant, crippling pain makes it difficult to perform daily tasks and almost impossible to receive your radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy treatments. This pain often originates from bone metastases and the associated instabilities of the vertebral bone. The new ablation system STAR can eliminate these bone metastases and stabilize the vertebras. It has been developed to exclusively for the high safety requirements of the spinal region. STAR gently heats and destroys the tumor by radiofrequency energy leading to an immediate pain relief. You can get back on your feet with uninterrupted treatment of your primary cancer therapies.

„This procedure has changed my life! Before the procedure, my back pain was always at an 8 to 10, on a scale of 10. I couldn’t walk, eat or sleep. Now I have no pain, no pain whatsoever in my back. I would highly recommend it to others.”
– Gonzalo Garcia, STAR Spine Tumor Ablation Patient

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

What is a metastatic spinal tumor?

A metastatic spinal tumor can occur when cancerous cells have spread from a primary location in the body, such as the breast, lung, or prostate, and grow in the vertebrae of the spine or the spinal cord.

How do I recognize metastatic spinal tumor symptoms?

Metastatic spinal tumors can weaken or fracture the vertebrae, causing varying levels of pain, from mild to severe. The onset of pain may be mild but increase rapidly. Using X-ray and MRI images of your spine, your physician can help you understand if a metastatic spinal tumor is the cause of your back pain.

What are the potential benefits of radiofrequency (RF) ablation therapy?

A minimally invasive procedure using radiofrequency ablation therapy allows a physician to reduce the size of metastatic spinal tumors in a single treatment, thereby providing patients with rapid pain relief. The STAR™ Tumor Ablation System brings this therapeutic option to metastatic spinal tumors that have historically been difficult to access and treat in a minimally invasive procedure.

Are there spine tumor ablation risks that should concern me?

The STAR™ Tumor Ablation System does not treat cancer. It is cleared by the FDA for providing palliative treatment (e.g., pain relief) by ablation of metastatic malignant tumors in the spine. Every patient is different and you should discuss risks and expectations of the procedure, including recovery time, with your doctor.

Is RF ablation therapy right for me?

You’ll need to talk with your physician and, together, determine if you are a good candidate for radiofrequency (RF) ablation therapy.

How long does ablation therapy take?

The entire procedure often takes less than 60 minutes.

How soon after the procedure can I resume my normal activities?

Recovery times for a minimally invasive procedure, such as radiofrequency ablation using the STAR Tumor Ablation System, are measured in hours and days rather than weeks and months. However, recovery time for each patient will vary. Your physician will monitor your progress and, together, will help you determine when you can safely return to your normal activities.