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. 2022 Sep-Oct;36(5):2308-2313.
doi: 10.21873/invivo.12961.

Increasing Seizure Activity During Radiation Treatment for High-grade Gliomas - Final Results of a Prospective Interventional Study

Dirk Rades  1 , Jaspar Witteler  2 , Peter Trillenberg  3 , Denise Olbrich  4 , Steven E Schild  5 , Søren Tvilsted  6 , Troels W Kjaer  7
Affiliations

Increasing Seizure Activity During Radiation Treatment for High-grade Gliomas - Final Results of a Prospective Interventional Study

Dirk Rades et al. In Vivo. 2022 Sep-Oct.

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.

Keywords: Seizures; chemoradiation; high-grade gliomas; patient reported outcomes; radiotherapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

On behalf of all Authors, the corresponding Author states that there are no conflicts of interest related to this study.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Spaghetti-plot showing mean seizures per week during the different periods of time, namely during the week prior to radiotherapy (baseline), weeks 1-3 and 4-6/7 during radiotherapy, and weeks 1-3 and 4-6 following radiotherapy (see also Table IV).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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