26th August 2024

You are asked to review a 67-year-old man on the oncology ward due to back pain

You are asked to review a 67-year-old man on the oncology ward due to back pain and inability to move his legs. He has a background of metastatic prostate cancer and was admitted to hospital with a community-acquired pneumonia. On examination, you find a flaccid paralysis of his legs with a sensory level. You organise a whole spine MRI which confirms the diagnosis of malignant spinal cord compression. You make an urgent referral to neurosurgery. What treatment should be initiated immediately provided there are no contraindications?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.