Phase 1 Study of Neurological Outcome After Emergency Radiotherapy in Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

Subjects and recruitment 15 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed non-small cell lung cancer and bone metastases of the thoracic or lumbar segments of the vertebral column will be screened for this trial in the Radiooncology Department of the Heidelberg University Clinic. Inclusion criteria are an age of 18 to 80 years, acute neurological symptom caused by metastatic spinal cord compression, no radiotherapy in this spinal area before, and written consent to participate.

Design and procedures This is a prospective, controlled, explorative trial to investigate the neurological outcome after emergency radiotherapy in metastatic spinal cord compression of non-small cell lung cancer patients with acute neurological deficit. RT start within 12 hours after onset of neurological symptoms. The target parameters will be measured at the start of radiotherapy (t0), and six weeks after radiotherapy (RT) (t1). The target parameters comprise the documentation and completion of the ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), and the recording of patient-specific data.