Optimal Radiotherapy Dose for Metastatic Spinal Canal Compression
Author Information
Author(s): P J Hoskin, A Grover, R Bhana
Primary Institution: Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 2RN, UK
Hypothesis
Optimal radiotherapy dose fractionation for spinal cord compression has not been defined.
Conclusion
Spinal cord compression should be diagnosed and treated urgently while the patient is mobile, and no advantage for protracted courses of radiotherapy over 1 or 2 fractions has been observed.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with spinal cord compression had a particularly poor response rate (50%).
- At two months after RT, the number of patients fully ambulant without significant neurological signs increased from 51% to 71%.
- Pain scores improved significantly after treatment.
Takeaway
This study looked at how to best treat patients with spinal cord compression using radiotherapy, finding that quicker treatment is better.
Methodology
Retrospective analysis of patients treated with different radiotherapy fractionation schedules.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may not account for all variables affecting outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Sixty patients were male with a median age of 68 (range 32 to 90 years).
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