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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
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Optimizing therapy of seizures in patients with brain tumors

Charles J Vecht1, Melanie van Breemen

  • 1Department of Neurology, Medical Center The Hague, POB 432, 2501 CK The Hague, The Netherlands. c.vecht@mchaaglanden.nl

Neurology
|December 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Epilepsy in brain tumor patients is complex and influenced by tumor factors. Non-enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) like levetiracetam show promise for seizure control, while prophylactic AED use is not advised.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Epilepsy in brain tumor patients is multifactorial, influenced by tumor type and location.
  • Refractory epilepsy is common in patients with structural brain lesions, with a potential role for multidrug-resistance proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the medical treatment of epilepsy in brain tumor patients.
  • To clarify the optimal management of seizures with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical treatments for epilepsy in brain tumor patients.
  • Review of literature on antiepileptic drug (AED) efficacy and safety in this population.

Main Results:

  • Enzyme-inducing anticonvulsants are generally not recommended due to potential interactions with chemotherapy.
  • Valproic acid, an enzyme inhibitor, appears manageable in brain tumor patients.
  • Preliminary data suggest levetiracetam and gabapentin are effective add-on treatments for seizure control.

Conclusions:

  • Non-enzyme-inducing AEDs like levetiracetam and gabapentin show potential for managing seizures in brain tumor patients.
  • Prophylactic use of AEDs in brain tumor patients is generally not recommended.

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