Surprising complete response of intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from breast cancer: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Purpose: Intramedullary spinal cord metastases (ISCM) are considered rare but their incidence is rising. Most ISCM cases are recognized to occur in patients with stage IV lung cancer or breast cancer (BC).

Methods: We report a rare case of cervical BC-ISCM in 60-year-old woman, documented by magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography-computed tomography and treated with volumetric modulated arc therapy with daily image-guided radiation therapy (VMAT/IGRT).

Results: An unexpected clinical and radiologic complete response in absence of neurologic side effects was recorded 4 months after VMAT/IGRT.

Conclusions: The present case report shows the feasibility of advanced RT and its optimal response in a case of ISCM from BC. Despite the short follow-up, in comparison with available literature data concerning the management of BC-ISCM, we found an early complete response, in contrast with other reported experiences.