Abstract
Purpose
: Radiotherapy (RT) offers a means of promoting an acceptable quality of life in people with incurable cancer. We reviewed our radiotherapeutic experience of metastatic tumors compressing the cauda equina (MTCCE) because large case series and achieved palliation in these patients are infrequently documented in the literature.
Methods
: Seventy-six individuals undergoing RT for MTCCE were identified from a 19-year period (1981-1999). Treatment responses and survival were assessed.
Results
: Pain relief was complete in 94%, partial in 3%, and not achieved in 3% of the 32 evaluated patients. Complete resolution of impaired sensation in the lower limbs occurred in three cases, and of anal or bladder sphincter dysfunction in three persons also. Among the 28 evaluable individuals with lower extremity motion impairment, 11 (39%) were nonambulatory and 17 (61%) were ambulatory following treatment. The overall median survival was 3 months; the survival rate at 1 year was 18% and at 3 years 8%.
Conclusion
: Although long-term survival is not to be expected, the usefulness of RT for palliation of MTCCE may be trusted.
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