Impact of Personalized Recovery Interventions on Spinal Instability and Psychological Distress in Oncological Patients with Vertebral Metastases.

Abstract

Background: Patients with vertebral metastases often experience spinal instability, chronic pain, and psychological distress, all of which can significantly reduce quality of life. Spinal instability, measured by the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), may exacerbate functional impairment and emotional distress, underscoring the potential benefit of personalized recovery interventions.

Material and methods: This prospective, observational study investigated the impact of personalized recovery interventions on spinal instability, psychological distress, and quality of life in oncological patients with vertebral metastases.

Results: The experimental group received tailored rehabilitation strategies, while the control group underwent standard oncological care. Spinal instability was assessed using the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS), psychological distress was measured with the Hopelessness Depression Symptom Questionnaire (HDSQ), and quality of life was evaluated using the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). The experimental group demonstrated significantly lower mean SINS scores, indicating reduced spinal instability, and lower HDSQ scores, suggesting decreased psychological distress. They also exhibited improvements in mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression dimensions of the EQ-5D. Furthermore, the experimental group had longer survival times, lower fracture rates, and reduced prevalence of osteoporosis, anemia, and vomiting. These findings underscore the potential benefits of integrating physical and psychological rehabilitation into routine oncological management.

Conclusions: Personalized recovery interventions appear to enhance functional independence, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life in patients with vertebral metastases. Future research should focus on longitudinal, multicenter, randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings and further elucidate the complex interplay between spinal instability, psychological distress, and functional recovery.