Objective To establish the evidence-based treatment strategy for an advanced lung cancer case with spinal metastasis, regarding the patient’s condition and treatment expectations.
Methods According to PICO principles, questions in the patient’s treatment were converted into a search strategy. The literature searching was performed in several databases. In accordance with the five evidence grading standards in evidence-based medicine, the best clinical evidence was interpreted to guide the treatment decisions.
Results A total of 148 papers were detected and screened, of which 4 systematic reviews or meta-analyses were included finally. Four issues that patients concerned, including restoring spinal cord function (walking and sphincter function), local pain control, long-term survival, and treatment complications, were all supported by grade-1 evidence. The patient finally chose surgical decompression, which was of a higher complication risk, but better possibility of restoring nerve function, significant pain relief, and improved long-term survival. The patient obtained fully recovery and regained walking function after surgery.
Conclusion The evidence-based treatment is able to provide reasonable treatment options for lung cancer patients with spinal metastasis. Decompression surgery for patients with walking dysfunction should be carried out as soon as possible, in order to early restore spinal marrow function, relieve pain and improve long-term survival. But both doctors and patients should fully acquaint themselves with the higher risk of surgical complications.
Citation: LI Juan,SHI Rui,YU Ping. Evidence-Based Treatment for a Lung Cancer Patient with Spinal Metastasis. Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 2013, 13(6): 768-772. doi: 10.7507/1672-2531.20130136 Copy
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