Prognostic Factors for Local Control and Survival After Radiotherapy of Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

Abstract
Purpose To evaluate potential prognostic factors for local control and survival after radiotherapy of metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). Patients and Methods The following potential prognostic factors were investigated retrospectively in 1,852 patients irradiated for MSCC: age, sex, performance status, primary tumor, interval between tumor diagnosis and MSCC (≤ 15 v > 15 months), number of involved vertebrae (one to two v ≥ three), other bone metastases, visceral metastases, pretreatment ambulatory status, time of developing motor deficits before radiotherapy (faster, 1 to 14 v slower, > 14 days), and radiation schedule (short-course v long-course radiotherapy). Results On univariate analysis, improved local control of MSCC was associated significantly with favorable histology (breast cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma/myeloma), no visceral metastases, and long-course radiotherapy. On multivariate analysis, absence of visceral metastases and radiation schedule maintained significance. On univariate...