The aim of this thesis was to assess the efficacy (part 1) and tolerability (part 2) of antiseizure medications (ASMs) in glioma patients with epilepsy. In addition, we aimed to get insight into... Show moreThe aim of this thesis was to assess the efficacy (part 1) and tolerability (part 2) of antiseizure medications (ASMs) in glioma patients with epilepsy. In addition, we aimed to get insight into the ASM prescription behavior and treatment policy in brain tumor-related epilepsy (part 3).First-line levetiracetam seems to be the most efficacious ASM in glioma patients, with favourable tolerability. This is demonstrated in multicenter retrospective observational cohort studies, a systematic review, and is the opinion among the vast majority of European neuro-oncology professionals. Enzyme-inducing AMSs should be avoided in glioma patients due to the high risk of adverse effects. ASM use was not independently associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms in glioma patients, but alternative factors seem to pose a greater risk for developing neuropsychiatric symptoms. If patients experience uncontrolled seizures on ASM monotherapy, levetiracetam combined with valproic acid has better efficacy than other ASM combinations in glioma patients, while toxicity is similar. Subsequently, potential add-on ASMs in glioma patients experiencing uncontrolled seizures on ASM dual therapy include clobazam, lamotrigine, and lacosamide. Show less
The goal of this thesis was to provide guidance for the neuro-oncologist’s daily clinical practice with respect to tailoring antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment and improving the radiological... Show moreThe goal of this thesis was to provide guidance for the neuro-oncologist’s daily clinical practice with respect to tailoring antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment and improving the radiological assessment of tumor response and progression in patients with gliomas and brain metastases. Part I of this thesis focused on the impact of AEDs on clinical outcome, such as survival, and the consequence of AED withdrawal on seizure recurrence and radiological outcome. Part II focused on the impact of antitumor treatment on clinical and radiological outcome, especially regarding the assessment of (pseudo)progression. Show less
Kerkhof, M.; Koekkoek, J.A.F.; Vos, M.J.; Bent, M.J. van den; Taal, W.; Postma, T.J.; ... ; Taphoorn, M.J.B. 2019
BackgroundWhen glioma patients experience long-term seizure freedom the question arises whether antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) should be continued. As no prospective studies exist on seizure recurrence... Show moreBackgroundWhen glioma patients experience long-term seizure freedom the question arises whether antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) should be continued. As no prospective studies exist on seizure recurrence in glioma patients after AED withdrawal, we evaluated the decision-making process to withdraw AEDs in glioma patients, and seizure outcome after withdrawal.MethodsPatients with a histologically confirmed low grade or anaplastic glioma were included. Eligible patients were seizure free1year from the date of last antitumor treatment, or 2years since the last seizure when seizures occurred after the end of the last antitumor treatment. Patients and neuro-oncologists made a shared decision on the preferred AED treatment (i.e. AED withdrawal or continuation). Primary outcomes were: (1) outcome of the shared decision-making process and (2) rate of seizure recurrence.ResultsEighty-three patients fulfilled all eligibility criteria. However, in 12/83 (14%) patients, the neuro-oncologist had serious objections to AED withdrawal. Therefore, 71/83 (86%) patients were analyzed; In 46/71 (65%) patients it was decided to withdraw AED treatment. In the withdrawal group, 26% (12/46) had seizure recurrence during follow-up. Seven of these 12 patients (58%) had tumor progression, of which three within 3months after seizure recurrence. In the AED continuation group, 8% (2/25) of patients had seizure recurrence of which one had tumor progression.ConclusionIn 65% of patients a shared decision was made to withdraw AEDs, of which 26% had seizure recurrence. AED withdrawal should only be considered in carefully selected patients with a presumed low risk of tumor progression. Show less
