Sarah Dalton chats to Angelina Tjokrowidjaja about malignant spinal cord compression, a common complication of cancer that occurs in up to 10% of patients. As a junior doctor, you might encounter a spinal cord compression in the Emergency Department, during an after-hours shift on haematology or oncology wards, or when on rotation in these areas. Malignant spinal cord compression can cause pain and potentially irreversible neurological deficits, early recognition is key for a good outcome.
Summary Writer: Jane McDonnell
Script Writer: Angelina Tjokrowidjaja
Editor: Angelina Tjokrowidjaja
Interviewer: Sarah Dalton
Interviewee: Angelina Tjokrowidjaja
Dr Angelina Tjokrowidjaja is currently a Medical Oncology Clinical Trials Fellow at St George Hospital and a PhD candidate at the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, New South Wales, Australia. Angelina completed her Master of Medicine (Clinical Epidemiology) while working as a junior doctor at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales. She is currently researching how to better individualise targeted and biological therapies in patients with advanced cancers using biomarkers. Angelina is also invested in teaching and is a tutor of medical students and junior doctors in the university and clinical setting.
With Dr Angelina Tjokrowidjaja, Medical Oncology Clinical Trials Fellow at St George Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Spinal cord compression is a common complication of cancer and occurs in up to 10% of patients. It can cause pain and potentially irreversible neurological deficits. Early recognition is vital for better outcomes. A junior doctor may encounter a spinal cord compression in the Emergency Department, during an after-hours shift on haematology or oncology wards or when on rotation in these areas.
You are the junior doctor on an after-hours shift on a medical oncology ward. You are asked to review a 70-year-old patient who has decreased mobility. You have a lot of other jobs.
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