AIM: To analyze the effect of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) and poor prognosis in our center. BACKGROUND: RT is an effective treatment for MSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective evaluation on patients with MSCC and limited survival (according to Rades' scale), and treated with single-dose 8 Gy RT (February 2013-August 2014). Pain, ambulatory status and sphincter control were recorded. Pain relief was evaluated following the International Bone Metastases Consensus Working Party Guidelines. Ambulatory status was evaluated with Frankel's scale. Spinal fracture and instability were recorded. Health aspects were evaluated via a short survey and measuring the time spent on RT. RESULTS: 35 patients were included. 51% had unfavorable histologies; 60% bone fracture and 17% spinal instability. Median Karnofsky score was 60; 100% were on high doses of opioids. Median survival was 1.5 months. 49% had a partial pain response at 2 weeks post-radiation, and 47% at one month. Significant reductions in pain intensity were present at 2 weeks (Visual analog scale, VAS score, from 8 ± 1.5 to 5 ± 1.9). Negligible effects were observed on motor and bladder function, along with side effects. KPS score was maintained during follow-up. 80% of patients spent ≤5% of their remaining lifetime on RT. A survey comparison between clinical judgment and the results according to treatment decision consider that these patients merit treatment evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: A moderate pain response tailored to life expectancy can be obtained in patients treated with radiation. 8-Gy single-dose is an option for patients with limited survival.
AIM: To analyze the effect of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) and poor prognosis in our center. BACKGROUND: RT is an effective treatment for MSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective evaluation on patients with MSCC and limited survival (according to Rades' scale), and treated with single-dose 8 Gy RT (February 2013-August 2014). Pain, ambulatory status and sphincter control were recorded. Pain relief was evaluated following the International Bone Metastases Consensus Working Party Guidelines. Ambulatory status was evaluated with Frankel's scale. Spinal fracture and instability were recorded. Health aspects were evaluated via a short survey and measuring the time spent on RT. RESULTS: 35 patients were included. 51% had unfavorable histologies; 60% bone fracture and 17% spinal instability. Median Karnofsky score was 60; 100% were on high doses of opioids. Median survival was 1.5 months. 49% had a partial pain response at 2 weeks post-radiation, and 47% at one month. Significant reductions in pain intensity were present at 2 weeks (Visual analog scale, VAS score, from 8 ± 1.5 to 5 ± 1.9). Negligible effects were observed on motor and bladder function, along with side effects. KPS score was maintained during follow-up. 80% of patients spent ≤5% of their remaining lifetime on RT. A survey comparison between clinical judgment and the results according to treatment decision consider that these patients merit treatment evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: A moderate pain response tailored to life expectancy can be obtained in patients treated with radiation. 8-Gy single-dose is an option for patients with limited survival.
Authors: Dirk Rades; Sarah Douglas; Theo Veninga; Lukas J A Stalpers; Peter J Hoskin; Amira Bajrovic; Irenaeus A Adamietz; Hiba Basic; Juergen Dunst; Steven E Schild Journal: Cancer Date: 2010-08-01 Impact factor: 6.860
Authors: Daryl R Fourney; Evan M Frangou; Timothy C Ryken; Christian P Dipaola; Christopher I Shaffrey; Sigurd H Berven; Mark H Bilsky; James S Harrop; Michael G Fehlings; Stefano Boriani; Dean Chou; Meic H Schmidt; David W Polly; Roberto Biagini; Shane Burch; Mark B Dekutoski; Aruna Ganju; Peter C Gerszten; Ziya L Gokaslan; Michael W Groff; Norbert J Liebsch; Ehud Mendel; Scott H Okuno; Shreyaskumar Patel; Laurence D Rhines; Peter S Rose; Daniel M Sciubba; Narayan Sundaresan; Katsuro Tomita; Peter P Varga; Luiz R Vialle; Frank D Vrionis; Yoshiya Yamada; Charles G Fisher Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2011-06-27 Impact factor: 44.544
Authors: Edward Chow; Jackson S Y Wu; Peter Hoskin; Lawrence R Coia; Soren M Bentzen; Peter H Blitzer Journal: Radiother Oncol Date: 2002-09 Impact factor: 6.280