Recommendations for research

The guideline committee has made the following key recommendations for research.

1 Radiotherapy

How effective is stereotactic ablative radiotherapy compared with standard radiotherapy in the postoperative treatment of metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC)? [2023]

For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for research, see the rationale section on radiotherapy to treat MSCC.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review M: radiotherapy.

2 Immobilisation

What are the effective forms of immobilisation for people with MSCC? [2023]

For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for research, see the rationale section on immobilisation.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review H: immobilisation.

3 Mobilisation and assessment of spinal stability

What are the effective forms of remobilisation for people with MSCC? [2023]

For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for research, see the rationale section on mobilisation and assessment of spinal stability.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review H: immobilisation.

4 Surgery to prevent MSCC

What is the effectiveness of surgery in the prevention of MSCC for people with spinal metastases without pain or instability? [2023]

For a short explanation of why the committee made this recommendation for research, see the rationale section on options for invasive interventions.

Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review N: invasive interventions.

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)