Dirk Rades1, Markus Dahlke2, Stefan Janssen3, Niklas Gebauer4, Tobias Bartscht4. 1. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany Rades.Dirk@gmx.net. 2. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. 3. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany Medical Practice for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Hannover, Germany. 4. Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Abstract
AIM: This is the first study to investigate patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients were analyzed with regard to survival and motor dysfunction. RESULTS: Out of seven factors (age, affected vertebrae, ambulatory status, bone lesions, other distant metastases, time developing motor dysfunction, performance score) ambulatory status (p=0.005) and distant metastases (p=0.032) had a significant influence on survival. Both factors were used as a predictive tool (points: not ambulatory 0, ambulatory 1, distant metastases 0, no distant metastases 1). Total scores were 0, 1 or 2 points. Three-month survival rates were 0%, 67% and 100%, six-month survival rates 0%, 0% and 100%. Progression of motor dysfunction was prevented in 63% of patients; time developing motor deficits showed a trend (p=0.08). CONCLUSION: Many patients with MSCC from HCC have a short survival, which can be predicted with a new tool. Radiation therapy can stop progression of motor dysfunction.
AIM: This is the first study to investigate patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients were analyzed with regard to survival and motor dysfunction. RESULTS: Out of seven factors (age, affected vertebrae, ambulatory status, bone lesions, other distant metastases, time developing motor dysfunction, performance score) ambulatory status (p=0.005) and distant metastases (p=0.032) had a significant influence on survival. Both factors were used as a predictive tool (points: not ambulatory 0, ambulatory 1, distant metastases 0, no distant metastases 1). Total scores were 0, 1 or 2 points. Three-month survival rates were 0%, 67% and 100%, six-month survival rates 0%, 0% and 100%. Progression of motor dysfunction was prevented in 63% of patients; time developing motor deficits showed a trend (p=0.08). CONCLUSION: Many patients with MSCC from HCC have a short survival, which can be predicted with a new tool. Radiation therapy can stop progression of motor dysfunction.