title: The optimal dose fractionation schema for malignant extradural spinal cord compression.
abstract: Malignant epidural spinal cord compression is a dreaded complication of malignancy. Fortunately, it does not happen very often. Estimating the prognosis is critical to achieving a balance between effective therapy and the burden of treatment. Treatment can be individualized by reviewing simple prognosis scales. For patients with a poor prognosis, a single fraction of 8 Gy is just as effective as multiple fractions and much more convenient. Surgery and radiation should be considered for patients with a more positive prognosis. For patients not getting surgery, enrollment in clinical trials of single vs. multiple fractions of radiation should be a priority.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada. andrew.loblaw@sunnybrook.ca
authors.forename: D Andrew
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Loblaw
authors.forename: Gunita
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mitera
mesh_terms: D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery