[Metastatic spinal cord compression syndrome. A retrospective analysis of 297 patients]

The purpose of this study was to look at the prognostic factors and the effects (regression of symptoms and survival rate) of the treatment given to patients with metastatic spinal cord compression syndrome (MSCCS).

Data from 297 patients who were treated at Odense University Hospital from 1989 to 2003 were collected through a retrospective evaluation of medical records.

The patients' median age was 67 years. The most common primary diagnoses were prostate cancer, breast cancer and lung cancer. The patients' motor function at the time of diagnosis, the primary cancer diagnosis, the time from primary diagnosis to development of MSCCS and the treatment given were all significant prognostic factors. The patients receiving surgery (whether or not also receiving radiotherapy) had a significantly higher survival rate (4.8 months) than those who received only radiotherapy (3.3 months).

Primary diagnosis, the degree of symptoms and the time from primary diagnosis to development of MSCCS are important prognostic factors that should be considered when choosing the treatment for a given patient. With an active attitude, it is possible to retain walking skills during the remaining and often short lifetime. Patients whose general condition allows for it should receive acute surgery followed by radiotherapy.