P14.49 Prescription preferences of antiepileptic drugs in brain tumor patients: an international survey. (9th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van der Meer, P B; Dirven, L; van den Bent, M J; Preusser, M; Taphoorn, M J B; Ruda, R; Koekkoek, J A F
• Is Part Of: Neuro-oncology. Volume 23: Supplement 2 (2021)
• Page Start: ii47
• Page End: ii47
• Publication Date: 2021-09-09
• Subjects: Brain Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Brain -- Tumors -- Periodicals; Brain -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99481
• DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab180.162
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-8517

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed at investigating antiepileptic drug (AED) prescription preferences in patients with brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE) among the European neuro-oncology community, the considerations that play a role when initiating AED treatment, the organization of care, and practices with regard to AED withdrawal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A digital survey containing 31 questions about prescription preferences of AEDs was set out among members of the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO). RESULTS: A total of 198 respondents treating patients with BTRE participated of whom 179 completed the entire survey. Levetiracetam was the first choice in patients with BTRE for almost all respondents (90% [162/181]). Levetiracetam was considered the most effective AED in reducing seizure frequency (72% [131/181]) and having the least adverse effects (48% [87/181]). Common alternatives for levetiracetam as equivalent first choice included lacosamide (33% [59/181]), lamotrigine (22% [40/181]), and valproic acid (21% [38/181]). Most crucial factors to choose a specific AED were potential adverse effects (82% [148/181]) and interactions with other antitumor treatments (76% [137/181]). In the majority of patients neuro-oncologists were involved in the treatment of seizures (73% [132/181])). Other relevant findings were that a minority of respondents ever prescribe AEDs in brain tumor patients without epilepsy solely as prophylaxis (29% [53/181]), but a majority routinely consider complete AED withdrawal in seizure free BTRE patients after antitumor treatment (79% [141/179]). CONCLUSION: Our results show that among European professionals treating patients with BTRE levetiracetam is considered the first choice AED, with the presumed highest efficacy and least adverse effects.