Interim analysis of patient-reported outcome compliance and dosimetry in a phase 3 randomized clinical trial of oesophagus-sparing spinal radiotherapy.

Background: The randomized clinical trial ESO-SPARE investigates if oesophagus-sparing radiotherapy (RT) can reduce dysphagia in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). Patient-reported outcome (PRO) is the only follow-up measure. Due to the fragile patient population, low respondent compliance was anticipated.