Symptomatic Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression Research Articles

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Optimal Timing of Surgery for Acute Symptomatic Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression.

Introduction: Symptomatic acute metastatic spinal epidural cord compression (MSCC) is an emergency that requires multimodal attention. However, there is no clear consensus on the appropriate timing for surgery. Therefore, to address this issue, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to evaluate the outcomes of different surgery timings. Methods: We searched multiple databases for studies involving adult patients suffering from symptomatic MSCC who underwent decompression with or without fixation. We analyzed the data by stratifying them based on timing as emergent (≤24 h vs. >24 h) and urgent (≤48 h vs. >48 h). The analysis also considered adverse postoperative medical and surgical events. The rates of improved outcomes and adverse events were pooled through a random-effects meta-analysis. Results: We analyzed seven studies involving 538 patients and discovered that 83.0% (95% CI 59.0-98.2%) of those who underwent urgent decompression showed an improvement of ≥1 point in strength scores. Adverse events were reported in 21% (95% CI 1.8-51.4%) of cases. Patients who underwent emergent surgery had a 41.3% (95% CI 20.4-63.3%) improvement rate but a complication rate of 25.5% (95% CI 15.9-36.3%). Patients who underwent surgery after 48 h showed 36.8% (95% CI 12.2-65.4%) and 28.6% (95% CI 19.5-38.8%) complication rates, respectively. Conclusion: Our study highlights that a 48 h window may be the safest and most beneficial for patients presenting with acute MSCC and a life expectancy of over three months.

Three-dimensional simulation/printing-assisted surgery for symptomatic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression of posterior column: efficacy assessment based on 2-year follow-up.

Surgical intervention is necessary for resolving the symptoms of the spinal cord and nerve compression caused by symptomatic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression. However, surgeons are constantly seeking ways to improve surgical efficiency and safety. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of 3D simulation/printing-assisted surgery for symptomatic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression of the posterior column. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients who underwent surgical treatment for symptomatic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression of the posterior column in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2020. The simulated group underwent a 3D digital simulation of the lesion area using imaging data before surgery. Twelve patients in the simulated group also received 3D printing, while the direct surgery group did not receive any 3D simulation or printing. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years. We collected clinical data, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, pedicle screw adjustment rate, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, the incidence of dural injury and cerebrospinal fluid leakage, VAS score, postoperative neurological function improvement, and tumor recurrence. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS23.0, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 46 patients were included in this study, with 20 in the simulated group and 26 in the non-simulated group. The simulated group had better operation time, intraoperative blood loss, screw adjustment rate, fluoroscopy times, and incidence of dural injury/cerebrospinal fluid leakage compared to the non-simulated group. The VAS scores of the two groups improved significantly after the operation and at the last follow-up compared to before the operation. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. There was also no statistically significant difference in neurological function improvement between the two groups. In the simulated group, 25% of patients relapsed, while in the non-simulated group, 34.61% of patients relapsed. However, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Preoperative 3D simulation/printing-assisted surgery is a practical and feasible approach for treating symptomatic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression of the posterior column.

Clinical outcome of surgical management for symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression from prostate cancer

BackgroundMetastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) from prostate cancer (PC) influences not only patients’ prognosis but also their quality of life. However, little is known about the clinical outcome of surgery for MSCC from PC. We evaluated both the oncological and functional outcomes of decompression and reconstruction surgery for patients with symptomatic MSCC from PC.MethodsWe assessed 19 patients who underwent decompression and reconstruction surgery for symptomatic MSCC from PC. Of these 19 patients, 8 had metastatic hormone-naïve PC (mHNPC) and 11 had metastatic castration-resistant PC (mCRPC).ResultsThe median age of the patients with mHNPC and mCRPC was 72 and 65 years, respectively. The median prostate-specific antigen level at the time of diagnosis of MSCC in patients with mHNPC and mCRPC was 910 and 67 ng/mL, respectively. Although two of eight patients (25.0%) with mHNPC were ambulatory preoperatively, six patients (75.0%) were ambulatory postoperatively. Among 11 patients with mCRPC, only 3 (27.3%) were ambulatory preoperatively, while 6 (54.5%) were ambulatory postoperatively. The median postoperative overall survival among patients with mHNPC and mCRPC were not reached and 8 months, respectively.ConclusionsDecompression and reconstruction surgery for symptomatic MSCC from PC might contribute to a favorable functional outcome among men with mHNPC and mCRPC. However, its role in improving the oncological outcome remains unclear. The treatment strategy should be chosen by shared decision-making among patients, urologists, radiation oncologists, and orthopedic surgeons.

Quantifying the impact of surgical decompression on quality of life and identification of factors associated with outcomes in patients with symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression.

Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) imposes significant impairment on patient quality of life and often requires immediate surgical intervention. In this study the authors sought to estimate the impact of surgical intervention on patient quality of life in the form of mean quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained and identify factors associated with positive outcomes. The authors performed a retrospective chart review and collected data for patients who had neurological symptoms resulting from radiologically and histologically confirmed MSCC and were treated with surgical decompression during the last 12 years. A total of 151 patients were included in this study (mean age 60.4 years, 57.6% males). The 5 most common metastatic tumor types were lung, multiple myeloma, renal, breast, and prostate cancer. The majority of patients had radioresistant tumors (82.7%) and had an active primary site at presentation (67.5%). The median time from tumor diagnosis to cord compression was 12 months and the median time from identification of cord compression to death was 4 months. Preoperative presenting symptoms included motor weakness (70.8%), pain (70.1%), sensory disturbances (47.6%), and bowel or bladder disturbance (31.1%). The median estimated blood loss was 500 mL and the average length of hospital stay was 10.3 days. About 18% of patients had postoperative complications and the mean follow-up was 7 months. The mean pre- and postoperative ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) performance status grades were 3.2 and 2.4, respectively. At follow-up, 58.3% of patients had improved status, 31.5% had no improvement, and 10.0% had worsening of functional status. The mean QALY gained per year in the entire cohort was 0.55. The mean QALY gained in the first 6 months was 0.1 and in the first year was 0.4. For patients who lived 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, or 4-5 years, the mean QALY gained were 0.8, 1.4, 1.7, and 2.3, respectively. Preoperative motor weakness, bowel dysfunction, bladder dysfunction, and ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class were identified as independent predictors inversely associated with good outcome. The mean QALY gained from surgical decompression in the first 6 months and first year equals 1.2 months and 5 months of life in perfect health, respectively. These findings suggest that surgery might also be beneficial to patients with life expectancy < 6 months.

Role of mTOR and VEGFR Inhibition in Prevention of Metastatic Tumor Growth in the Spine.

Objective: Spinal metastatic disease remains a major problem of oncological diseases. Patients affected may suffer pain, spinal instability, and severe neurological deficits. Today, palliative surgery and radiotherapy are the mainstays of therapy. In contrast, preventive treatment strategies or treatment concepts for an early stage are lacking. Here, we have used a syngeneic, experimental spine metastases model in the mouse to test the efficacy of mTOR inhibition and anti-angiogenesis on the formation and progression of spinal melanoma metastases.Methods: We used our previously established syngeneic spinal metastases mouse model by injecting luciferin-transfected B16 melanoma cells into the common carotid artery. Following injection, mice were treated with everolimus, an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex, axitinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, that blocks vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) 1-3, as well as placebo. Animals were followed-up daily by neurological assessment and by repeat in vivo bioluminescence imaging. With occurrence of neurological deficits, a spinal MRI was performed, and mice were sacrificed. The whole spine was dissected free and analyzed by immunohistochemical techniques.Results: Overall survival was 23 days in the control group, significantly prolonged to 30 days (p = 0.04) in the everolimus group, and to 28 days (p = 0.04) in the axitinib group. While 78% of mice in the placebo group developed symptomatic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression, only 50% did so in the treatment groups. The mean time to manifestation of paralysis was 22 days in the control group, 26 days (p = 0.10) in the everolimus group, and 27 days (p = 0.06) in the axitinib group. Screening for spinal metastases by bioluminescence imaging on two different time points showed a decrease in metastatic tumor formation in the treatment groups compared to the controls. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the bioactivity of the two compounds: The Ki67 proliferation labeling index was reduced in the everolimus group and numbers of CD31 positive endothelial cells were reduced in the axitinib group.Conclusion: Both, the mTOR inhibitor everolimus as well as antiangiogenetic effects by the VEGFR inhibitor axitinib showed potential to prevent and retard formation of symptomatic spinal metastases. However, the therapeutic efficacy was only mild in this experimental model.

Microscopic Assisted Uninstrumented Surgical Tumor Decompression (MUST-D) is a Viable Alternative to Open Surgery for Some Patients with Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression (MESCC)

Nistal, Dominic A.; Wei, Daniel; Martini, Michael; Hawks, Charlotte MS; Sobotka, Stanislaw DSc, PhD; Jenkins, Arthur L. MD, FACS Author Information

Impact of Symptomatic Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression on Survival of Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common primary tumor sites among patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). This disorder is related to neurologic dysfunction and can reduce the quality of life, but the association between MSCC and death is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the occurrence of symptomatic MSCC on overall survival of patients with NSCLC. A cohort study was carried out involving 1112 patients with NSCLC who were enrolled between 2006 and 2014 in a single cancer center. Clinical and sociodemographic data were extracted from the physical and electronic records. Survival analysis of patients with NSCLC was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method. A log-rank test was used to assess differences between survival curves. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were carried out to quantify the relationship between the independent variable (MSCC) and the outcome (overall survival). During the study period, the incidence of MSCC was 4.1%. Patients who presented with MSCC were 1.43 times more likely to die than were those with no history of MSCC (hazard ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-2.00; P= 0.031). The median survival time was 8.04 months (95% CI, 6.13-9.96) for those who presented MSCC and 11.95 months (95% CI, 10.80-13.11) for those who did not presented MSCC during the course of disease (P=0.002). MSCC is an important and independent predictor of NSCLC worse survival. This effect was not influenced by sociodemographic and clinical factors.

PD-7-3 - Clinical Significance of Prophylactic Radiotherapy for Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

The motor function at the beginning of radiotherapy is known to be a functional prognostic factor after radiotherapy for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are warranted. From this point of view, it may be reasonable for clinicians to consider prophylactic radiotherapy to prevent the development of MSCC.However, there exists little evidence to support the use of prophylactic radiotherapy for asymptomatic patients with spinal metastases but without radiological MSCC. For asymptomatic patients with radiological MSCC (subclinical MSCC), several non-randomized prospective studies have suggested that there is a difference in the incidence rates of symptomatic MSCC between those who receive prophylactic radiotherapy and those who do not.To diagnose patients with radiological MSCC, imaging-based screening plays an important role. MRI is a very sensitive, non-invasive examination for the diagnosis of MSCC. As well as the estimated probability of having radiological MSCC, the cost to the patient and health care system should also be considered to decide on the frequency of MRI screenings. The motor function at the beginning of radiotherapy is known to be a functional prognostic factor after radiotherapy for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are warranted. From this point of view, it may be reasonable for clinicians to consider prophylactic radiotherapy to prevent the development of MSCC. However, there exists little evidence to support the use of prophylactic radiotherapy for asymptomatic patients with spinal metastases but without radiological MSCC. For asymptomatic patients with radiological MSCC (subclinical MSCC), several non-randomized prospective studies have suggested that there is a difference in the incidence rates of symptomatic MSCC between those who receive prophylactic radiotherapy and those who do not. To diagnose patients with radiological MSCC, imaging-based screening plays an important role. MRI is a very sensitive, non-invasive examination for the diagnosis of MSCC. As well as the estimated probability of having radiological MSCC, the cost to the patient and health care system should also be considered to decide on the frequency of MRI screenings.

212 - Predictive Factors for Survival in Surgical Series of Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression: a Prospective North American Multicenter Study in 142 Patients

212 - Predictive Factors for Survival in Surgical Series of Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression: a Prospective North American Multicenter Study in 142 Patients

Minimally Invasive Direct Lateral Corpectomy of the Thoracolumbar Spine for Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression.

Objectives To evaluate the feasibility, safety, clinical, and radiologic outcomes of a minimally invasive direct lateral-approach corpectomy (MIDLaC) for decompression and stabilization of symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). Methods A retrospective study on a prospective cohort was conducted. Nineteen patients were consecutively treated with MIDLaC and posterior pedicle screw fixation between May 2012 and July 2014. Demographic information and radiologic outcomes including sagittal deformity correction and vertebral body height were recorded. Operative variables (operative duration, blood loss) and clinical variables (Tokuhashi score, mortality, complication rate, pain visual analogue scale [VAS], opioid usage, and Frankel grade) were recorded and analyzed. Results All nineteen patients (mean age: 67.6 ± 12.7 years) successfully underwent MIDLaC with excellent neural decompression. Operative duration was 188.4 ± 30.3 minutes for single-level MIDLaC and 327.2 ± 71.9 minutes for multilevel surgery (p < 0.0001). Mean blood loss per spinal level was 390.8 mL with a decrease to 102.3 mL excluding renal cell MSCC. A total of 47.4% of patients had a Tokuhashi score of 0 to 8. There was one approach-related complication and one perioperative mortality. The overall complication rate was 15.8% (n = 3) with no postoperative wound infections. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates at 6 months were 0.50. Overall, 31.6% of patients improved by one or more Frankel grades, and no patients demonstrated worsening neurology postoperatively. VAS was significantly improved postoperatively (p < 0.05). Vertebral body height was significantly increased (+7.6 ± 8.1 mm; p = 0.002), with improvements in lumbar lordosis (8.3 ± 7.3 degrees) and thoracic kyphosis (2.4 ± 7.1 degrees) postoperatively. Conclusion MIDLaC is a safe and feasible palliative approach in the management of MSCC with encouraging early clinical outcomes. Further prospective studies are required to define the role of MIDLaC in the management of MSCC vis-à-vis other mini-open or minimally invasive techniques.

Inter- and intra-rater agreement in the assessment of the vascularity of spinal metastases using digital subtraction angiography tumor blush.

Background Preoperative embolization is based on the preoperative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) tumor blush, and as such is considered the "gold standard" for determining tumor vascularity. However, to our knowledge reliability studies evaluating vascularity ratings of DSA tumor blush in spinal metastases have not been published previously. Purpose To evaluate inter- and intra-rater agreement in the assessment of the vascularity of spinal metastases using DSA tumor blush. Material and Methods This reliability study included 46 patients with symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression requiring surgery. DSA data stored in the hospital picture archiving and communication system (PACS) from the participants of a randomized controlled trial were used. Inter- and intra-rater agreement on vascularity assessment using DSA tumor blush according to a three-step ordinal scale was evaluated: no hypervascularity; moderate hypervascularity; and pronounced hypervascularity. The statistical analysis was based on the linear weighted kappa's for multiple raters that extend Cohen's κ. Three raters and κ = 0.2 in the null hypothesis implied that the power of the study was 0.96. Results Inter- and intra-rater agreements were moderate in rating the vascularity of spinal metastases and the agreements were significantly higher than the κ = 0.20 in the null hypothesis ( P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0001). The κ value for inter-rater agreement was 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.72) and for intra-rater agreement 0.55 (95% CI, 0.38-0.71). Conclusion There is moderate inter-rater and intra-rater agreement in classifying the vascularity of spinal metastases on a three-step ordinal scale for DSA tumor blush.

Posterior approaches for symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression.

Surgical interventions for spinal metastasis are commonly performed for mechanical stabilization, pain relief, preservation of neurological function, and local tumor reduction. Although multiple surgical approaches can be used for the treatment of metastatic spinal lesions, posterior approaches are commonly performed. In this study, the role of posterior surgical procedures in the treatment of spinal metastases was reviewed, including posterior laminectomy with and without instrumentation for stabilization, transpedicular corpectomy, and costotransversectomy. A review of the literature from 1980 to 2015 was performed using Medline, as was a review of the bibliographies of articles meeting preset inclusion criteria, to identify studies on the role of these posterior approaches among adults with spinal metastasis. Thirty-four articles were ultimately analyzed, including 1 randomized controlled trial, 6 prospective cohort studies, and 27 retrospective case reports and/or series. Some of the reviewed articles had Level II evidence indicating that laminectomy with stabilization can be recommended for improvement in neurological outcome and reduction of pain in selected patients. However, the use of laminectomy alone should be carefully considered. Additionally, transpedicular corpectomy and costotransversectomy can be recommended with the expectation of improving neurological outcomes and reducing pain in properly selected patients with spinal metastases. With improvements in the treatment paradigms for patients with spinal metastasis, as well as survival, surgical therapy will continue to play an important role in the management of spinal metastasis. While this review presents a window into determining the utility of posterior approaches, future prospective studies will provide essential data to better define the roles of the various options now available to surgeons in treating spinal metastases.

366 Predictive Factors for Survival in Surgical Series of Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression

366 Predictive Factors for Survival in Surgical Series of Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression

Prognostic Factors for Survival in Surgical Series of Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression: A Prospective North American Multi-Centre Study in 142 Patients

Prognostic Factors for Survival in Surgical Series of Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression: A Prospective North American Multi-Centre Study in 142 Patients

Prediction of survival prognosis after surgery in patients with symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression from non-small cell lung cancer.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to develop a scoring system for prediction of survival prognosis after surgery in patients with symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed nine preoperative characteristics for survival in a series of 64 patients with NSCLC who were operated with posterior decompression and spine stabilization for MSCC. Characteristics significantly associated with survival on multivariate analysis were included in the scoring system. The scoring point for each significant characteristic was derived from the hazard ratios on Cox proportional hazards model. The total score for each patient was obtained by adding the scoring points of all significant characteristics.ResultsEastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, number of involved vertebrae, visceral metastases, and time developing motor deficits had significant impact on survival on multivariate analysis and were included in the scoring system. According to the prognostic scores, which ranged from 4 to 10 points, three prognostic groups were designed: 4–5 points (n = 22), 6–7 points (n = 23), and 8–10 points (n = 19). The corresponding 6-month survival rates were 95, 47 and 11 %, respectively (P < 0.0001). In addition, the functional outcome was worse in the group of patients with 8–10 points compared with other two prognostic groups.ConclusionsThe new scoring system will enable physicians to identify patient with MSCC from NSCLC who may be a candidate for decompression and spine stabilization, more radical surgery, or supportive care alone. Patients with scores of 4–5, who have the most favorable survival prognosis and functional outcome, can be treated with more radical surgery in order to realize better local control of disease and prevent the occurrence of local disease. Patients with scores of 6–7 points should be surgical candidates, because survival prognosis and functional outcome are acceptable after surgery, while patients with scores of 8–10 points, who have the shortest survival time and poorest functional outcome after surgery, appear to be best treated with radiotherapy or best supportive care.

Prognostic Factors for Survival in Surgical Series of Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression: A Prospective North American Multicenter Study in 145 Patients

Symptomatic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) afflicts up to 10% of all cancer patients. MESCC is associated with shortened survival and worsened quality of life. In a multidisciplinary setting, life expectancy must be considered along with other factors, such as the patient’s symptoms and overall medical condition, to select the optimal patient-specific treatment plan.

Preoperative palsy score has no significant association with survival in non-small-cell lung cancer patients with spinal metastases who undergo spinal surgery.

BackgroundSurvival is a key factor physicians consider when selecting a treatment modality for the treatment of spinal metastases. Various assessment systems can predict length of survival and facilitate selection of the most appropriate treatment. Spinal palsy is a prognostic parameter in the Tokuhashi scoring system but not in the Tomita scoring system. A limitation of these scoring systems is that studies of them have included different tumor types. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative neurological status as a prognostic factor in non-small-cell lung cancer patients with spinal metastases who underwent surgical treatment.MethodsFrom November 2000 to March 2010, 50 patients with symptomatic metastatic spinal cord compression secondary to non-small-cell lung cancer underwent palliative surgery. Data collected included patient age and sex, tumor histology, date of surgery, death or last follow-up, preoperative and postoperative ambulatory status according to the Frankel grading system, body mass index (BMI), number of vertebra involved, number of other bone metastasis, visceral metastasis, and preoperative Karnofsky performance status. Log-rank test and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regressions were used to evaluate possible prognostic factors.ResultsThe mean patient age was 61.6 years (range, 20–87 years), and 34 were male and 16 were female. The median postoperative survival time was 7.5 months. The median survival was 2.5 months (95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.22–16.3 months) in the Frankel A + B group and 8.0 months (95 % CI: 5.52–9.89 months) in the Frankel C + D group (p = 0.87). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regressions showed that preoperative performance status was significantly associated with survival. Preoperative palsy score had no statistically significant association with survival.ConclusionsPreoperative palsy score had no statistically significant association with survival in non-small-cell lung cancer patients with spinal metastases who underwent spinal surgery in this study.

169 Prognostic Factors for Survival in Surgical Series of Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression

169 Prognostic Factors for Survival in Surgical Series of Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression

Single-Fraction Versus 5-Fraction Radiation Therapy for Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression in Patients With Limited Survival Prognoses: Results of a Matched-Pair Analysis

This study compared single-fraction to multi-fraction short-course radiation therapy (RT) for symptomatic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) in patients with limited survival prognosis. A total of 121 patients who received 8 Gy × 1 fraction were matched (1:1) to 121 patients treated with 4 Gy × 5 fractions for 10 factors including age, sex, performance status, primary tumor type, number of involved vertebrae, other bone metastases, visceral metastases, interval between tumor diagnosis and MESCC, pre-RT ambulatory status, and time developing motor deficits prior to RT. Endpoints included in-field repeated RT (reRT) for MESCC, overall survival (OS), and impact of RT on motor function. Univariate analyses were performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test for in-field reRT for MESCC and OS and with the ordered-logit model for effect of RT on motor function. Doses of 8 Gy × 1 fraction and 4 Gy × 5 fractions were not significantly different with respect to the need for in-field reRT for MESCC (P=.11) at 6 months (18% vs 9%, respectively) and 12 months (30% vs 22%, respectively). The RT regimen also had no significant impact on OS (P=.65) and post-RT motor function (P=.21). OS rates at 6 and 12 months were 24% and 9%, respectively, after 8 Gy × 1 fraction versus 25% and 13%, respectively, after 4 Gy × 5 fractions. Improvement of motor function was observed in 17% of patients after 8 Gy × 1 fraction and 23% after 4 Gy × 5 fractions, respectively. There were no significant differences with respect to need for in-field reRT for MESCC, OS, and motor function by dose fractionation regimen. Thus, 8 Gy × 1 fraction may be a reasonable option for patients with survival prognosis of a few months.

Prognostic Factors for Survival in Surgical Series of Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression: A Prospective North American Multicenter Study in 145 patients

Introduction Symptomatic metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) afflicts up to 10% of all cancer patients. MESCC is associated with shortened survival and worsened quality of life; thus, early diagnosis and management is crucial. In a multidisciplinary setting, life expectancy must be considered along with other factors, such as patient's symptoms and overall medical condition, to select the optimal patient-specific treatment plan. This study aims to identify and compare key survival prognostic factors in surgically treated symptomatic MESCC patients with a 12-month postoperative follow-up. Materials and Methods Over a 5-year period, 145 patients surgically treated for a single symptomatic MESCC lesion were enrolled in a prospective North American multicenter study. Univariate analyses, Kaplan–Meier methods, and log-rank tests were used to evaluate the prognostic value of various clinical predictors. Preoperative prognostic factors evaluated: age, gender, comorbidities, history of smoking, metastases outside the spine, site of primary tumor, previous systemic treatment for the primary tumor, MESCC location, number of vertebral body involved, previous MESCC treatment, ASIA score, motor deficits, bladder dysfunction, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EQ-5D, SF-36v2 mental and physical components, and ability to walk four steps. Predictors with p &lt; 0.2 in univariate analyses were included into the final Cox proportional hazards model. Results The overall median survival was 7.7 months (235 days). Lung and breast cancer had the shortest and longest median survival, respectively (4.5 vs. 12.1 months). Nine patients (6%), whose primary cancer were lung (3), kidney (3), melanoma (1), prostate (1), and breast (1), died within 30 days after surgery; 46 (32%), 61 (42%), 74 (51%), and 86 (59%) patients died at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. The site of primary tumor, number of vertebrae involved, ODI, EQ-5D, ASIA score, metastases outside the spine, bladder dysfunction, and ability to walk four steps were significant predictors on the univariate analyses. However, the multivariate Cox-regression analysis demonstrated that only spinal metastasis involving four or more vertebral bodies had a negative impact on survival ( p = 0.002, HR: 25). Conclusion The extent of spinal metastasis, which is regarded as an indicator of the severity of patient's metastasis burden, and the site of the primary tumor, although not statistically significant in our regression model but well recognized in the literature as an important clinical predictor, are considered as independent predictors of poor prognosis in patients with a single-level symptomatic MESCC lesion. MESCC patients are a challenging and vulnerable heterogenous population. It is essential to identify factors predicting survival, functional and clinical outcomes in this population to guide patient-centered management to optimize quality of life.