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Biomarkers and performance status as predictors of 30-day mortality in malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 November 2020

Josie Cameron Open the ORCID record for Josie Cameron [Opens in a new window]
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Abstract

Introduction:

Malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) is a serious condition requiring urgent palliative radiotherapy to alleviate symptoms and avoid permanent paralysis. The aim of this project was to analyse the 30-day mortality rate post-palliative radiotherapy for MSCC patients to identify if radiotherapy can be safely omitted or the fractionation reduced in the poor prognosis group (patients likely to die within 30 days) by biomarkers and performance status (PS).

Methods:

A retrospective audit was performed (July–December 2019) and data on treatment duration, date of death, biomarkers (C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin) and PS were collected using hospital patient management systems.

Results:

Hundred and one patients received palliative radiotherapy for MSCC in the 6-month period. The number of patients who died within 30 days was 17, representing 16·8% mortality rate. Rising CRP levels and poor PS indicated a poorer prognosis in this patient group.

Conclusion:

Monitoring biomarkers and PS as standard throughout patients’ treatment is recommended to assess disease progression. Worsening PS and high CRP is an indicator of poor prognosis and early death, and therefore omission of treatment or a single fraction of radiotherapy is recommended.

Keywords

biomarkersmalignant spinal cord compressionpalliative radiotherapyperformance status

Information

Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 21 , Issue 1 , March 2022 , pp. 105 - 108
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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