When cancer spreads to the spine, the Duke Center for Brain and Spine Metastasis offers advanced and proven care. Our dedicated team of experts work to shrink or remove spine tumors while preserving your mobility and function. We strive to deliver the best-possible outcomes in the most compassionate way.
Cancer that starts in one area of the body can metastasize, or spread, to the spine. Lung, breast, and prostate cancers are among those that most often spread to the spine.
Although metastatic spine cancer is typically considered advanced and may be life-threatening, we offer the full range of treatments to slow or stop the spread of cancer and reduce symptoms like pain.
Our nurse navigator can also guide you through the process of seeking a second opinion for yourself or a loved one.
Our team will conduct a series of comprehensive exams and tests to learn more about your unique condition and create a personalized treatment plan.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Despite the name, stereotactic radiosurgery does not require incisions. Instead, radiation oncologists focus narrow, high-dose radiation beams to destroy difficult-to-reach spine tumors. In some cases, only one treatment session is needed. Careful mapping and planning ensure the radiation targets cancer cells while sparing the healthy tissue, nerves, and blood vessels surrounding the tumor.
Immunotherapy drugs help your immune system identify and attack cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. New immunotherapy drugs may be available to eligible candidates through clinical trials.
Chemotherapy, given orally or by infusion into a vein, may be prescribed to kill cancer cells after surgery and/or radiation therapy.
This treatment targets molecules inside your cells to stop cancer from growing and spreading, while sparing healthy cells. New targeted therapies may be available to eligible candidates through clinical trials.
Palliative care focuses on preventing, managing, and relieving the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment. With services including pain management, symptom management, psychosocial support, and spiritual care, we help you and your loved ones clarify goals of treatment along the way. Research shows that people with cancer have better outcomes and live longer when supportive care is a regular part of treatment.
Rehabilitation will be an important part of your recovery. Our physical therapists and occupational therapists can help you strengthen your muscles, improve your mobility, or learn easier ways to perform everyday tasks.
Where you receive your cancer care is important. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our cancer program is the highest-ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2026–2027.
