Prognostic factors and a survival score in patients irradiated for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression from urothelial carcinoma cancer of the bladder

Abstract

Background/Aim: Prognoses of patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) from urothelial carcinoma of the bladder are generally poor. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors that can facilitate personalized care of these patients. Patients and Methods: In 46 patients, 10 factors were evaluated for overall response (OR), post-radiotherapy (RT) ambulatory status, local control of MESCC and overall survival (OS). Independent predictors of OS were incorporated in a scoring system. Results: Being ambulatory post-RT was associated with pre-RT ambulatory status (p<0.001) and better performance score (p<0.001). No factor was significantly associated with OR and local control. On multivariate analyses, lack of visceral metastases (p=0.002), being ambulatory pre-RT (p=0.001) and performance score 1-2 (p=0.004) were associated with improved OS. Based on these factors, there were three distinct prognostic groups with 0, 1-2 and 3 points and median OS times of 2, 4 and 11.5 months, respectively. Conclusion: Prognostic factors were identified and a new survival score was created that will help physicians aiming to personalize treatment for patients with MESCC from urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.