Development of the MDASI-Spine Tumor Module

If you agree to take part in this study, you will complete the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Spine Tumor Module survey. This survey will ask you to rate the severity of certain symptoms you may have had in the last 24 hours on a scale of 0 (not present) to 10 (the most severe you can imagine). You will also be asked to rate how your symptoms get in the way of your daily activities using the same 0 to 10 scale. This survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Information regarding your clinical history (tumor type, location, treatment, and other medications) and demographic information (age, gender, ethnicity, religion, educational level, and marital status) will also be collected. This information will be used to evaluation whether there is an association between symptom severity and these factors.

Once you have completed the survey, your participation on this study will be over.

This is an investigational study. Up to 128 patients will take part in this study. All will be enrolled at M. D. Anderson.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of a tumor involving the spinal cord (intramedullary or extramedullary)
• Age > or = to 18 years of age
• Ability to speak and read English. Non-English speaking subjects will be included in future studies, once the final instrument has been developed.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients < 18 years of age
• Evidence of gross cognitive dysfunction limiting memory or ability to complete a self-report questionnaire as determined by evaluation of physician or mid-level provider.