9th June 2021

A 67-year-old woman with a history of metastatic breast cancer presents with bilateral leg weakness

A 67-year-old woman with a history of metastatic breast cancer presents with bilateral leg weakness and faecal incontinence. She is given immediate high-dose corticosteroids. An MRI spine shows extensive bony metastases, with associated compression of the cauda equina. The patient is transferred to an oncology unit, where a course of radiotherapy is completed.

Which of the following statements about radiotherapy in the treatment of cauda equina syndrome is correct?

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