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Treatment outcome and complications in patients treated for malignant epidural spinal cord compression (SCC)

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Abstract

Sixty-seven episodes of spinal cord compression (SCC) were retrospectively evaluated regarding presenting features and treatment outcome. They were divided into three motor function groups. Group 1 consisted of 35 ambulatory patients, group 2 of 29 non-ambulatory patients and group 3 of three paraplegic patients. Lower extremity weakness was usually a late presenting feature and was frequently rapidly progressive. We suggest that SCC is an emergency, as successful treatment is unlikely if motor function is poor. All of the group 1 patients completing treatment remained ambulatory, in contrast to group 2 patients, in which only 25% regained the ability to walk, and group 3 patients, none of whom regained the ability to walk. Initial surgery or initial radiotherapy appeared to be equally effective in restoring or maintaining the ability to walk. Survival of patients ambulatory at completion of treatment was superior to that of non-ambulatory patients (p < 0.03). Analysis of steroid-related complications suggested that frequent, severe and sometimes fatal complications can result from prolonged use with these drugs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Therapeutic Radiology, Mayo Clinic of Mayo Foundation, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA

    James A Martenson Jr, Richard G Evans & John D Earle

  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic of Mayo Foundation, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA

    Margart R Lie

  3. Section of Medical Research Statistics, Mayo Clinic of Mayo Foundation, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA

    Duane M Ilstrup

  4. Departments of Neurology, Mayo Clinic of Mayo Foundation, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA

    Robert P Dinapoli

  5. Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic of Mayo Foundation, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA

    Michael J Ebersold

Authors
  1. James A Martenson Jr
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  2. Richard G Evans
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  3. Margart R Lie
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  4. Duane M Ilstrup
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  5. Robert P Dinapoli
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  6. Michael J Ebersold
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  7. John D Earle
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Martenson, J.A., Evans, R.G., Lie, M.R. et al. Treatment outcome and complications in patients treated for malignant epidural spinal cord compression (SCC). J Neuro-Oncol 3, 77–84 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00165175

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