Metastatic spinal cord compression from pancreatic cancer

Background/Aim: Pancreatic cancer is an extremely rare entity in patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC). This study aimed to identify prognostic factors for functional outcome and survival following irradiation. Patients and Methods: Ten variables were investigated in 15 patients: age, gender, performance score, time from diagnosis of pancreatic cancer to MESCC, number of involved vertebrae, ambulatory status, bone metastases, organ metastases, time developing motor deficits, and the radiation schedule (1x8 Gy vs. fractionated radiotherapy schedules). Results: Better post-treatment motor function was significantly associated with absence of organ metastases (p=0.025). Better survival was also significantly associated with absence of organ metastases: 6-month survival rates were 100% and 9%, respectively (p=0.006). The radiation schedule had no significant impact on treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Patients with organ metastases have a very limited life expectancy and are good candidates for irradiation with 1x8 Gy instead of fractionated schedules.