Abstract
AIM: Epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) from thyroid cancer is uncommon. This study aimed to contribute to the identification of the most appropriate treatment for these patients.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients receiving irradiation alone were retrospectively evaluated.
RESULTS: Improvement of motor deficits occurred in 36% of patients, further progression was prevented in another 43% (overall response=79%). One of six non-ambulatory patients (17%) became ambulatory. The 12-month rate of freedom from in-field recurrence was 85%; long-course irradiation was superior to short-course irradiation (100% vs. 67%, p=0.11). The 12-month survival rate was 41%. Age <70 years (p=0.007), no other metastases (p=0.007), differentiated cancer (p<0.001), ability to walk (p=0.015), affection of 1-3 vertebrae (p<0.001) and better performance score (p=0.007) were associated with survival.
CONCLUSION: Irradiation resulted in a good response. Neurosurgery appears required for non-ambulatory patients to restore walking ability. Long-course irradiation resulted in excellent long-term freedom from in-field recurrence and appears preferable for patients with favorable survival prognoses.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 2035-2039 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Anticancer Research |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| State | Published - Apr 1 2016 |
Keywords
- epidural spinal cord compression
- freedom from recurrence
- functional outcomes
- irradiation
- survival
- Thyroid cancer
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)
- Oncology
- Cancer Research