Peter C. Gerszten, MD

Dr. Gerszten serves as the neurosurgical principal investigator of the National Cancer Institute Supported Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Cooperative Clinical Trial entitled “Phase II/III Study of Single Dose Radiosurgery for Localized Spinal Metastases”. Dr. Gerszten continues to investigate the expanding role of radiosurgery for the treatment of both malignant as well as benign tumors of the spine. Ongoing research includes the incorporation of spine radiosurgery into minimally invasive and percutaneous spine procedures. Dr. Gerszten’s research related to spine radiosurgery is conducted in cooperation with the International Spine Oncology Study Group as well as the International Spine Radiosurgery Consortium. 

Dr. Gerszten successfully developed and performed the first ever use of radiosurgery as an ablative tool for extracranial targets in a small animal model. This study allowed for the evaluation of the clinical and histopathological effects of high dose radiosurgery on the rat dorsal root ganglion. The goal of these investigations is to evaluate the use of radiosurgery as a viable treatment option for neuromodulation of pain of spinal origin. This year, Dr. Gerszten continued his translational research investigations into the use of radiosurgery for extracranial neuromodulation. Studies were performed that included the development of more comprehensive techniques to safely and accurately deliver high dose radiosurgery to the dorsal root ganglion in animal models. Work was carried out in order to determine if lower doses could be equally as effective in modulating spinal pain generators. 

Dr. Gerszten’s clinical research focuses on the adoption of minimally invasive surgical treatments for disorders of the spine. Such minimally invasive techniques allow for decreased morbidity while improving outcomes in neurosurgical patients. Dr. Gerszten continues to expand and systematically analyze the clinical outcomes and safety profiles associated with the use of new spinal implant devices. Other clinical research has documented the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusions using titanium screw implants for sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Finally, Dr. Gerszten continues to evaluate the role of posterior lumbar dynamic stabilization for motion preservation. 

Dr. Gerszten served as a member of the United States Panel for Appropriate Management of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures. This independent panel comprising neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, radiologists, and pain management physicians from throughout the country will meet on a regular basis to help set national policy for the best management practices for patients with vertebral compression fractures.