A SINGLE SITE AUDIT: COMPLIANCE OF THE METASTATIC SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION NICE GUIDELINES

Aim

To assess whether oncologists are adhering to the NICE guidelines on MSCC.

Methods and Results

All patients who received radiotherapy for metastatic spinal cord compression from 1^st June 2009 – 1^st June 2010 were identified. This information was then compared to the data collected via the MSCC Coordinator. The notes and radiological investigations were reviewed by the spinal consultant.

34 patients received radiotherapy for MSCC, 15 patients were not referred to the spinal team prior to radiotherapy. On reviewing each individual case 2 patients may have potentially benefited from surgical intervention.

Conclusion

Many patients are still not referred for spinal opinion. The vast majority of these patients would not have been suitable for surgery, however, a small number may have potentially benefited.