RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Palliative Radiation Therapy for Spinal Cord Compression from Metastatic Soft Tissue Sarcoma
JF In Vivo
JO In Vivo
FD International Institute of Anticancer Research
SP 529
OP 531
VO 30
IS 4
A1 STEFAN JANSSEN
A1 LOUISA BOLM
A1 LUKAS KÄSMANN
A1 TOBIAS BARTSCHT
A1 DIRK RADES
YR 2016
UL http://iv.iiarjournals.org/content/30/4/529.abstract
AB Aim: Spinal cord compression (SCC) from metastatic soft tissue sarcoma is a rare condition. Little is known regarding its optimal treatment. It is not clear whether these patients should receive radiation therapy alone or neurosurgery plus radiation therapy. This study focused on outcomes of patients with SCC from soft tissue sarcoma after radiation therapy alone. Patients and Methods: The effect of radiotherapy on pain relief and motor function and overall survival were evaluated in four patients. Results: Complete pain relief was achieved in two (50%) and overall pain relief in three patients (75%). Motor function remained unchanged in all patients. Overall survival rates at three and six months following irradiation were 25% and 25%, respectively. Conclusion: Radiotherapy alone resulted in high rates of pain relief in patients with SCC from metastatic soft tissue sarcoma. The effect on motor function was less favorable. Upfront neurosurgery is required for improvement of motor deficits.