A validated score estimating ambulatory status following radiotherapy of elderly patients for metastatic spinal cord compression.

Background: This study was performed to develop a validated score predicting ambulatory status after radiotherapy (RT) alone for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) in elderly patients.

Methods: 1,129 elderly patients (≥65 years) were assigned to the test (N = 565) or validation group (N = 564). In the test group, nine pre-treatment factors (age, gender, tumor type, number of involved vertebrae, pre-RT ambulatory status, other bone metastases, visceral metastases, interval cancer diagnosis to RT, time developing motor deficits) and fractionation regimen were investigated.

Re-irradiation of spinal cord compression due to metastasis in elderly patients.

Background/aim: The present study investigated efficacy and toxicity of re-irradiation for an in-field recurrence of spinal cord compression due to metastasis (SCCM) in elderly patients.

Patients And Methods: Data of 60 patients aged ≥65 years who were irradiated for an in-field recurrence of SCCM were retrospectively analyzed. The fractionation regimen of re-irradiation and eight additional potential prognostic factors were evaluated for motor function.

A new score predicting survival prognosis after whole-brain radiotherapy alone for brain metastases in elderly patients.

Background/aim: Elderly patients represent an important subgroup of patients with brain metastases. A survival score has been developed specifically for these patients.

Patients And Methods: A total of 544 elderly patients (aged ≥65 years) receiving whole-brain radiotherapy alone were divided into a test (n=272) and a validation group (n=272).

Metastatic spinal cord compression: a validated survival score for elderly patients.

Background And Purpose: This study aimed to develop a validated survival score for elderly patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC).

Patients And Methods: In all, 1,128 patients were randomly assigned to the test (n = 564) or validation group (n = 564). In the test group, ten pretreatment factors (age, gender, performance status, primary tumor, number of involved vertebrae, ambulatory status, other bone metastases, visceral metastases, interval from cancer diagnosis to radiotherapy of MSCC, time to developing motor deficits) plus the radiation regimen were retrospectively evaluated.

Shorter-course whole-brain radiotherapy for brain metastases in elderly patients.

Purpose: Many patients with brain metastases receive whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) alone. Using 10 × 3 Gy in 2 weeks is the standard regimen in most centers. Regarding the extraordinarily poor survival prognosis of elderly patients with multiple brain metastases, a shorter WBRT regimen would be preferable.