Metastatic disease of the spine

In patients with malignant disease, metastases to the spine are relatively common and demand careful evaluation. In many instances, cord compression occurs with wide-spread metastatic disease, thus limiting surgical options. However, an aggressive approach is justifiable because the consequences of failed treatment, i.e., paraplegia, lead to increased morbidity and in many cases, may directly result in death. Facilities for the rehabilitation of paraplegic cancer patients are limited. Although the results of recent therapeutic methods are encouraging, clearly further improvement is still needed.