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Chemoembolization for Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression Refractory to Re-radiotherapy

  • Clinical Investigation
  • Interventional Oncology
  • Published:
CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of chemoembolization for inoperable metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) refractory to re-radiotherapy.

Methods

Nineteen consecutive patients with recurrent MESCC after re-radiotherapy who had undergone chemoembolization were retrospectively analyzed. Outcome measures were pain relief rate, neurological improvement rate, objective response rate, and adverse events. MESCC degree classification was assessed using Bilsky grades. Pain assessment was performed using Numerical Rating Scale, and neurological function was evaluated using the Frankel classification.

Results

The median follow-up period was 7 (range 2–44) months. All participants had MESCC grade 2 or higher and had severe pain. Fifteen patients (79%) had neurological deficits, and ten had Frankel classification C and five had D. Symptoms were relieved in almost all patients the day following chemoembolization. Pain relief was achieved in 18 of 19 (95%) patients; the median decrease in Numerical Rating Scale score was 8 (range 0–10; p < 0.001). Neurological improvement was achieved in 11 of 15 patients (73%); the median increase in Frankel classification was 1 (range 0–2; p = 0.006). Ten of 19 (53%) patients showed a reduction in MESCC; the median decrease in Bilsky grade was 1 (range 0–2; p = 0.005). There was no correlation between the change in Bilsky grade and pain relief (p = 0.421). However, the decrease in Bilsky grade significantly improved neurological symptoms (p = 0.01). No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

Chemoembolization may be a useful palliative treatment modality for MESCC refractory to re-radiotherapy.

Level of Evidence

Level 3b, Follow up Study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, University of the Ryukyus, 207, Uehara, Nishihara, Okinawa, 903-0215, Japan

    Joichi Heianna, Wataru Makino, Masafumi Toguchi, Takeaki Kusada, Tomotaka Iraha, Kazuki Ishikawa, Shota Takehara, Hitoshi Maemoto, Takuro Ariga & Sadayuki Murayama

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  1. Joichi Heianna
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  2. Wataru Makino
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Correspondence to Joichi Heianna.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. For this type of study, formal consent is not required. This single-center, retrospective study was approved by the institutional ethics review board of our institution.

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This study has obtained IRB approval from the institutional ethics review board of University of the Ryukyus, and the need for informed consent was waived.

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Heianna, J., Makino, W., Toguchi, M. et al. Chemoembolization for Symptomatic Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression Refractory to Re-radiotherapy. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 44, 1945–1953 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-021-02930-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00270-021-02930-1

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