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Review
. 2015;4(5):347-56.
doi: 10.2217/cns.15.29. Epub 2015 Oct 19.

Seizures in oligodendroglial tumors

Melissa Kerkhof  1 , Christa Benit  1 , Alberto Duran-Pena  2 , Charles J Vecht  2
Affiliations
Review

Seizures in oligodendroglial tumors

Melissa Kerkhof et al. CNS Oncol. 2015.

Abstract

Epilepsy develops in more than 70-90% of oligodendroglial tumors and represents a favorable indicator for long-term survival if present as the first clinical sign. Presence of IDH1 mutation is frequently associated with seizures in oligodendrogliomas, next to alterations of glutamate and GABA metabolism in the origin of glioma-associated epilepsy. Treatment by surgery or radiotherapy results in seizure freedom in about two-thirds of patients, and chemotherapy to a seizure reduction in about 50%. Symptomatic anticonvulsive therapy with levetiracetam and valproic acid as monotherapy are both evidence-based drugs for the partial epilepsies, and their effective use in brain tumors is supported by a large amount of additional data. Pharmacoresistance against anticonvulsants is more prevalent among oligodendrogliomas, occurring in about 40% despite polytherapy with two anticonvulsants or more. Toxic signs of anticonvulsants in brain tumors involve cognition, bone marrow and skin. Previous neurosurgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy add to the risks of cognitive dysfunction.

Keywords: anticonvulsants; brain tumor; chemotherapy; cognition/cognitive dysfunction; drug interaction; epilepsy; genetics; glioblastoma multiforme.

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Conflict of interest statement

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

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