Epilepsy and brain tumors.
OBJECTIVE
To present an overview of the recent findings in pathophysiology and management of epileptic seizures in patients with brain tumors.


RESULTS
Low-grade gliomas are the most epileptogenic brain tumors. Regarding pathophysiology, the role of peritumoral changes [hypoxia and acidosis, blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, increase or decrease of neurotransmitters and receptors] are of increasing importance. Tumor-associated epilepsy and tumor growth could have some common molecular pathways. Total/subtotal surgical resection (with or without epilepsy surgery) allows a seizure control in a high percentage of patients. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy as well have a role. New antiepileptic drugs are promising, both in terms of efficacy and tolerability. The resistance to antiepileptic drugs is still a major problem: new insights into pathogenesis are needed to develop strategies to manipulate the pharmakoresistance.


CONCLUSIONS
Epileptic seizures in brain tumors have been definitely recognized as one of the major problems in patients with brain tumors, and need specific and multidisciplinary approaches.
Rudà
Roberta
R
Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neuroscience, San Giovanni Battista Hospital and University of Torino, Torino, Italy. rudarob@hotmail.com
Trevisan
Elisa
E
Soffietti
Riccardo
R
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans