Strahlentherapie und Onkologie : Organ der Deutschen Röntgengesellschaft ... [et al]
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Is short-course radiotherapy with high doses per fraction the appropriate regimen for metastatic spinal cord compression in colorectal cancer patients?
Various radiotherapy (RT) schedules are used worldwide for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). Every treatment session may cause discomfort to the mostly debilitated patients. A short overall treatment time appears beneficial, especially for MSCC patients with an extremely poor survival such as colorectal cancer patients. This study evaluates whether short-course RT (1 x 8 Gy given in 1 day, 5 x 4 Gy given in 1 week) is as effective as long-course RT (10 x 3 Gy given in 2 weeks, 15 x 2.5 Gy given in 3 weeks, 20 x 2 Gy given in 4 weeks) and whether higher doses per fraction (more cell kill) and shorter overall treatment time (less repopulation) can compensate for lower total doses. ⋯ No significant difference was observed between short-course and long-course RT with respect to functional outcome. In the clinical situation, short-course RT may be considered preferable, as it means less patient discomfort.