Dirk Rades1, Jaspar Witteler2, Peter Trillenberg3, Denise Olbrich4, Steven E Schild5, Søren Tvilsted6, Troels W Kjaer7. 1. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; dirk.rades@uksh.de. 2. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. 3. Department of Neurology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. 4. The Centre for Clinical Trials Lübeck, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany. 5. Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, U.S.A. 6. Research Projects and Clinical Optimization, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark. 7. Neurological Department, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Little is known regarding seizures during radiotherapy for brain tumors. This prospective study investigated seizure activity in patients irradiated for high-grade gliomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using a seizure diary, progression of seizure activity was evaluated in 22 patients receiving chemoradiation for grade III (n=1) or IV (n=21) gliomas. Progression was defined as increased frequency of any and/or generalized seizures (>50%) or increased anti-epileptic medication (≥25%). Patients' satisfaction with the diary was assessed using a questionnaire (six scales of 1-7 points). Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed including baseline seizure activity, age, sex, resection, tumor site, performance score, and history of epilepsy/seizures. RESULTS: Ten patients (45%) experienced progression of seizure activity during their radiotherapy course, mainly due to increased seizure frequency (nine patients=41%). Mean values of patients' satisfaction scores ranged between 3.92 and 4.92 points. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy of high-grade gliomas can increase seizure activity. Patients require close monitoring to initiate or adjust anti-epileptic medication.
BACKGROUND/AIM: Little is known regarding seizures during radiotherapy for brain tumors. This prospective study investigated seizure activity in patients irradiated for high-grade gliomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using a seizure diary, progression of seizure activity was evaluated in 22 patients receiving chemoradiation for grade III (n=1) or IV (n=21) gliomas. Progression was defined as increased frequency of any and/or generalized seizures (>50%) or increased anti-epileptic medication (≥25%). Patients' satisfaction with the diary was assessed using a questionnaire (six scales of 1-7 points). Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed including baseline seizure activity, age, sex, resection, tumor site, performance score, and history of epilepsy/seizures. RESULTS: Ten patients (45%) experienced progression of seizure activity during their radiotherapy course, mainly due to increased seizure frequency (nine patients=41%). Mean values of patients' satisfaction scores ranged between 3.92 and 4.92 points. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy of high-grade gliomas can increase seizure activity. Patients require close monitoring to initiate or adjust anti-epileptic medication.
Authors: Dirk Rades; Jaspar Witteler; Denise Olbrich; Peter Trillenberg; Steven E Schild; Soeren Tvilsted; Troels W Kjaer Journal: BMC Cancer Date: 2021-04-09 Impact factor: 4.430
Authors: Margriet IJzerman-Korevaar; Tom J Snijders; Alexander de Graeff; Saskia C C M Teunissen; Filip Y F de Vos Journal: J Neurooncol Date: 2018-10-30 Impact factor: 4.130