[Complete remission in a case of concurrent breast and thyroid cancers with metastatic spinal paralysis]

A case of right breast and thyroid cancer is reported in which, despite metastasis to the spinal cord occurring 1 year after mastectomy, satisfactory therapeutic results were obtained. At the time of her first examination the patient had spastic paresis involving all segmental levels below Th7. Bone scintigraphy disclosed multiple hot areas in the spinal column, centering around Th5 6. On myelography, complete block was noted above the lower margins of the vertebral body of Th5. The paresis progressed to result in a complete loss of touch and pain sensations with flaccid paralysis of both lower extremities. Laminectomy of Th4-6 was therefore performed on the 20th day of hospitalization. Biopsy at that time demonstrated the metastasis to be from the breast cancer. Radiotherapy (Linac, 600 rad/w) was started at the 20th postoperative day, a total dose of 3,000 rad being given. Physicotherapy was instituted simultaneously. As drug therapy, OK-432 and FT-207 suppositories (750 mg) were used in addition to diethylstilbestrol, 300 mg/day.

After 6 months of these combined therapeutic regimens the patient became capable of moving along the edge of the bed with the aid of a good hand and leg. After 7 months she underwent radical surgery for the thyroid cancer and 3 months later she was discharged asymptomatic.