Abstract
As systemic treatments for cancer have consistently improved patient survival, metastatic disease has become more clinically apparent, especially to the spine. As a result, manage- ment paradigms for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) are particularly relevant. Treatments targeted at MESCC are still palliative at best, because the systemic cancer burden usually determines the survival of the patient. However, advances in imaging modalities combined with newly pioneered surgical and radiation therapy techniques are resulting in better outcomes. In this review, the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and management options for the treatment of MESCC are presented. In addition, we propose a treatment paradigm based on early surgical decompression of the spinal cord with concomitant spinal stabilization and subsequent radiation therapy. Promising treatment options including spinal stereo- tactic radiosurgery and vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty will also be presented.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
