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Published on: December 27, 2024
993
Non-hepatocellular carcinoma spinal metastases
C Rory Goodwin1, Nancy Abu-Bonsrah1, Christine Boone1
1Department of Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Meyer 7-109, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Summary
Spinal metastases from rare non-hepatocellular carcinomas are uncommon but increasing. This review details their presentation, treatment, and poor prognosis, highlighting a median survival of 1.5 months.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Medical Research
Background:
- Spinal metastases from non-hepatocellular carcinomas (NHCC), including cholangiocarcinoma and angiosarcoma, are rare occurrences.
- Advances in cancer care are leading to an increase in patients with metastatic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the clinical presentation, treatment, outcomes, and survival of patients with spinal metastases from NHCC.
- To consolidate limited published data on this rare oncological presentation.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using major databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.
- Nineteen cases of spinal metastases from NHCC meeting predefined criteria were identified and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The average age of presentation was 62.3 years, with cholangiocarcinoma being the most frequent subtype.
- Common symptoms included pain, weakness, or paraparesis, often with multi-level spinal involvement at diagnosis.
- Treatment predominantly involved radiation or chemotherapy, with a significant portion receiving no treatment. Median survival post-diagnosis was only 1.5 months.
Conclusions:
- Despite the rarity, spinal metastases from NHCC present unique clinical challenges.
- This review underscores the limited understanding and poor prognosis associated with these metastases, necessitating further research.
