 |
|
New therapy recommendations for spinal complications of cancer
August 22, 2005Kentucky study indicates combination of surgery and radiation yields better mobility, lower death rates in patients suffering from spinal cord compression
LEXINGTON, Ky.-Cancer patients and their physicians have new answers as they seek the best treatment for the immobilizing trauma of spinal cord compression in metastatic cancer, thanks to Roy Patchell and colleagues at the University of Kentucky.
In this week's Lancet, Patchell's UK research team evaluate traditional surgical and radiation therapy options and conclude that direct decompressive surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy is more effective than either radiotherapy alone or other surgical options.
Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a debilitating and common complication of cancer, occurring in 5 to 14 percent of cancer patients. Standard treatment for MESCC consists of corticosteroids and radiotherapy - after which only 50 percent of patients are able to walk. Surgery, in the form of the simple laminectomy procedure used before the availability of radiotherapy, was largely abandoned as a treatment after a small randomized trial published in 1980 demonstrated no benefit of laminectomy alone or in conjunction with radiotherapy. However, the UK trial tested a more modern surgical treatment for MESCC, the direct decompressive surgical resection.
The results of the UK trial are definitive: direct decompressive surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy equal the best chances for regaining mobility in patients with metastatic cancer.
Patchell and his team found compelling results in a randomized, multi-institutional, non-blinded trial assessing the efficacy of surgery and radiotherapy combinations in more than 100 patients with spinal cord compression caused by metastatic cancer. Results were so statistically conclusive in favor of the direct decompressive surgery and radiotherapy combination that researchers halted the study after an interim analysis.
Eighty-four percent of patients who received both surgery and radiotherapy were able to walk after treatment, versus only 57 percent of patients who received only radiation. Patients in the surgery group also retained the ability to walk significantly longer after treatment, and were less dependent upon corticosteroids and opiod analgesics.
University of Kentucky
Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a debilitating and common complication of cancer, occurring in 5 to 14 percent of cancer patients. Standard treatment for MESCC consists of corticosteroids and radiotherapy - after which only 50 percent of patients are able to walk. Surgery, in the form of the simple laminectomy procedure used before the availability of radiotherapy, was largely abandoned as a treatment after a small randomized trial published in 1980 demonstrated no benefit of laminectomy alone or in conjunction with radiotherapy. However, the UK trial tested a more modern surgical treatment for MESCC, the direct decompressive surgical resection.
The results of the UK trial are definitive: direct decompressive surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy equal the best chances for regaining mobility in patients with metastatic cancer.
Patchell and his team found compelling results in a randomized, multi-institutional, non-blinded trial assessing the efficacy of surgery and radiotherapy combinations in more than 100 patients with spinal cord compression caused by metastatic cancer. Results were so statistically conclusive in favor of the direct decompressive surgery and radiotherapy combination that researchers halted the study after an interim analysis.
Eighty-four percent of patients who received both surgery and radiotherapy were able to walk after treatment, versus only 57 percent of patients who received only radiation. Patients in the surgery group also retained the ability to walk significantly longer after treatment, and were less dependent upon corticosteroids and opiod analgesics.
University of Kentucky
Spinal Cord Current Events and Spinal Cord News RSSDrug studied as possible treatment for spinal injuries
Researchers have shown how an experimental drug might restore the function of nerves damaged in spinal cord injuries by preventing short circuits caused when tiny "potassium channels" in the fibers are exposed.
Scripps research scientists find new link between insulin and core body temperature
A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered a direct link between insulin-a hormone long associated with metabolism and metabolic disorders such as diabetes-and core body temperature.
UCI embryonic stem cell therapy restores walking ability in rats with neck injuries
The first human embryonic stem cell treatment approved by the FDA for human testing has been shown to restore limb function in rats with neck spinal cord injuries - a finding that could expand the clinical trial to include people with cervical damage.
Findings show nanomedicine promising for treating spinal cord injuries
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a new approach for repairing damaged nerve fibers in spinal cord injuries using nano-spheres that could be injected into the blood shortly after an accident.
Researchers explore new ways to prevent spinal cord damage using a vitamin B3 precursor
Substances naturally produced by the human body may one day help prevent paralysis following a spinal cord injury, according to researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College. A recent $2.5 million grant from the New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Board will fund their research investigating this possibility.
Researchers identify drug candidate for treating spinal muscular atrophy
A chemical cousin of the common antibiotic tetracycline might be useful in treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a currently incurable disease that is the leading genetic cause of death in infants.
Master regulator found for regenerating nerve fibers in live animals
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston report that an enzyme known as Mst3b, previously identified in their lab, is essential for regenerating damaged axons (nerve fibers) in a live animal model, in both the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Researchers find ways to encourage spinal cord regeneration after injury
Animal research is suggesting new ways to aid recovery after spinal cord injury. New studies demonstrate that diet affects recovery rate and show how to make stem cell therapies safer for spinal injury patients.
MIT: Muscle 'synergies' may be key to stroke treatment
Researchers at MIT and San Camillo Hospital in Venice, Italy, have shown that motor impairments in stroke patients can be understood as impairments in specific combinations of muscle activity, known as synergies.
Compound shows potential for slowing progression of ALS
A chemical cousin of a drug currently used to treat sepsis dramatically slows the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, in mice.
More Spinal Cord Current Events and Spinal Cord News Articles
 |
The Spinal Cord: A Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Text and Atlas by Charles Watson (Editor), George Paxinos (Editor), Gulgun Kayalioglu (Editor) Many hundreds of thousands suffer spinal cord injuries leading to loss of sensation and motor function in the body below the point of injury. Spinal cord research has made some significant strides towards new treatment methods, and is a focus of many laboratories worldwide. In addition, research on the involvement of the spinal cord in pain and the abilities of nervous tissue in the spine to regenerate has increasingly been on the forefront of biomedical research in the past years. The Spinal Cord, a collaboration with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, is the first comprehensive book on the anatomy of the mammalian spinal cord. Tens of thousands of articles and dozens of books are published on this subject each year, and a great deal of experimental work has been carried out on... |
 |
Basic and Clinical Anatomy of the Spine, Spinal Cord, and ANS by Gregory Cramer (Author), Susan Darby (Author) This one-of-a-kind text describes the specific anatomy and neuromusculoskeletal relationships of the human spine, with special emphasis on structures affected by manual spinal techniques. A comprehensive review of the literature explores current research of spinal anatomy and neuroanatomy, bringing practical applications to basic science. * A full chapter on surface anatomy includes tables for identifying vertebral levels of deeper anatomic structures, designed to assist with physical diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the spine, as well as evaluation of MRI and CT scans. * High-quality, full-color illustrations show fine anatomic detail. * Red lines in the margins draw attention to items of clinical relevance, clearly relating anatomy to clinical care. * Spinal dissection... |
|
Remedy by Spinal Cord | |
 |
Spinal Cord Injuries: Management and Rehabilitation by Sue Ann Sisto PT MA PhD (Author), Erica Druin MPT (Author), Martha Macht Sliwinski PT MA PhD (Author) From a hospital admittance to discharge to outpatient rehabilitation, Spinal Cord Injuries addresses the wide spectrum of rehabilitation interventions and administrative and clinical issues specific to patients with spinal cord injuries. Comprehensive coverage includes costs, life expectancies, acute care, respiratory care, documentation, goal setting, clinical treatment, complications, and activities of daily living associated with spinal cord patients. In addition to physical therapy interventions and family education components, this resource includes content on incidence, etiology, diagnosis, and clinical features of spinal cord injury. Case Studies with clinical application thinking exercises help you apply knowledge from the book to real life situations.Thoroughly referenced,... |
 |
Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine by American Paraplegia Society Journal designed to increase knowledge about spinal cord impairment and related problems. Presents current clinical and research data related to traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury. Enhances practice skills and techniques of clinicians working with spinal cord patients. |
 |
3B Scientific Spinal cord with by 3B Scientific |
|
Spinal Cord Injury Research Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Spinal Cord Injury Research proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Spinal Cord Injury Research than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Spinal Cord Injury Research mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! | |
|
Life After SCI Spinal Cord Injury Volume 2: Transfering and Adapting Also With: Mark Schmitt (Host) | |
|
Circuit Resistance Training for Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries by SportsWorkout.com Circuit Resistance Training for Persons with Spinal Cord Injuries reviews how exercise specifically, resistance trainingcan be employed to enhance the lifestyle of individuals living with spinal cord injuries. Unfortunately, many of the traditional uppe | |
 |
LIFE AFTER SCI: Spinal Cord Injury Volume One (VHS) by EasyStand New, unviewed, shrink wrapped VHS tape dealing with spinal cord injuries |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |