Cranial nerve palsy caused by metastasis to the skull base in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer: Three case reports

Abstract

Introduction Skull base metastasis of prostate cancer associated with cranial nerve palsy is rare. We observed three patients with aggressive prostate cancer who experienced cranial nerve palsy. Case presentation Case 1 was a 53‐year‐old patient who was treated with carboplatin and etoposide. He noticed sensory abnormalities on his left mouth edge. Head magnetic resonance imaging revealed skull base metastasis. Case 2 was a 50‐year‐old patient who received docetaxel. This patient exhibited ptosis of the left eye. Skull base metastasis was detected by magnetic resonance imaging. External beam radiation therapy was performed. Case 3 was a 64‐year‐old patient who was treated with docetaxel. He experienced ptosis of the right eye and diplopia. He was also treated with external beam radiation therapy. Conclusion External beam radiation therapy exhibited some efficacy against the symptoms, but skull base metastasis of treatment‐resistant prostate cancer has poor prognosis. Three patients died within 3 months after symptoms occurred with or without external beam radiation therapy.