Background

Brain metastases are the most common malignant brain tumors and often originate from lung cancer, breast cancer, or melanoma. Many patients experience neurological symptoms, including epileptic seizures, which occur in about one in four patients. Seizures can strongly affect daily functioning and quality of life and have also been associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

To control seizures, patients are typically treated with antiseizure medications such as levetiracetam or valproic acid. Treatments aimed at reducing the tumor burden, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, may also influence seizure control. However, there is currently limited evidence on which treatments work best for patients with brain metastases. 

Objectives and Relevance for cancer research

In the nationwide epiMETA study, we investigate how effective different antiseizure medications are for patients with epilepsy due brain metastases. Using clinical data from patients across the Netherlands, we compare commonly used treatments and study how tumor-directed therapies relate to seizure outcomes.

By improving our understanding of seizure management in this patient group, this research aims to support more evidence-based treatment decisions and help maintain quality of life for patients with brain metastases.

Team

• Prof.dr. M. Fiocco, Mathematical Institute Leiden University, Department of Biomedical Data Sciences Leiden University Medical Center & Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology 

• Prof. dr. M.J.B. Taphoorn, Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center

• Dr. J.A.F. Koekkoek, Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center

• Drs. J.C.C. Scheepens, Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center