Prognosis of patients with metastatic spinal cord compression from adrenocortical carcinoma

Background/Aim: Adrenocortical cancer is a rare aggressive type of cancer. The prognosis is poor, particularly for metastatic disease. This study focused on metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) from adrenocortical carcinoma. Patients and Methods: Data of three patients who received palliative irradiation of MSCC from adrenocortical carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed for motor function, ambulatory status and survival. Results: One patient died before completion of radiotherapy. The other two patients died two weeks and four weeks, respectively, following irradiation. In these patients, pre-radiotherapy pain scores were 9 and 10 points. In both patients, partial pain relief was achieved (scores of 5 and 4 points). All three patients were non-ambulatory before irradiation. In assessable patients, motor function remained unchanged following irradiation. Conclusion: Palliative irradiation resulted in considerable pain relief, whereas motor function did not improve. Considering the extremely poor survival, supportive care alone may be considered if pain relief is achieved without irradiation.