Anticonvulsant Prophylaxis and Steroid Use in Adults With Metastatic Brain Tumors: ASCO and SNO Endorsement of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons Guidelines

Antiepileptic Strategies for Patients with Primary and Metastatic Brain Tumors

OPINION STATEMENT

Seizure activity is common in patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors, affecting more than 50% of cases over the course of their disease. Several mechanisms contribute to brain tumor-related epilepsy (BTRE), including a pro-inflammatory environment, excessive secretion of glutamate and an increase in neuronal excitatory tone, reduction of GABAergic inhibitory activity, and an increase in 2-hydroxygluturate production in isocitrate dehydrogenase mutant tumors. After a verified seizure in a brain tumor patient, the consensus is that BTRE has developed, and it is necessary to initiate an antiepileptic drug (AED). It is not recommended to initiate AED prophylaxis. Second- and third-generation AEDs are the preferred options for initiation, due to a lack of hepatic enzyme induction and reduced likelihood for drug-drug interactions, especially in regard to neoplastic treatment. The efficacy of appropriate AEDs for patients with BTRE is fairly equivalent, although some data suggests that levetiracetam may be slightly more active in suppressing seizures than other AEDs. The consensus among most Neuro-Oncology providers is to initiate levetiracetam monotherapy after a first seizure in a brain tumor patient, as long as the patient does not have any psychiatric co-morbidities. If levetiracetam is not tolerated well or is ineffective, other appropriate initial AED options for monotherapy or as an add-on anticonvulsant include lacosamide, valproic acid, briviracetam, lamotrigine, and perampanel.

Management of Neurologic Complications in Patients with Brain and Spine Tumors

Patients with brain and spine tumors represent a distinct population with unique needs. We provide a practical review of neurologic care in this group with an emphasis on familiarizing the general neurologist to the nuances of neuro-oncologic supportive care. We review the management of cerebral edema, steroid dosing, and pertinent side effects. We discuss seizure management, including choice of anticonvulsants, putative antitumor effects, and important seizure mimics like drop attacks. We review the presentation and symptomatology of stroke-like migraine attack after radiation therapy (SMART syndrome). We describe the signs and symptoms that should prompt concern for metastatic spinal cord compression, as well as both acute and definitive treatment options. Finally, we discuss the underappreciated incidence of venous thromboembolic events, particularly in patients with gliomas, and review the data on management.

Management of Brain Metastases: A Review of Novel Therapies

Brain metastases (BMs) represent the most common intracranial tumors in adults, and most commonly originate from lung, followed by breast, melanoma, kidney, and colorectal cancer. Management of BM is individualized based on the size and number of brain metastases, the extent of extracranial disease, the primary tumor subtype, neurological symptoms, and prior lines of therapy. Until recently, treatment strategies were limited to local therapies, like surgical resection and radiotherapy, the latter in the form of whole-brain radiotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery. The next generation of local strategies includes laser interstitial thermal therapy, magnetic hyperthermic therapy, post-resection brachytherapy, and focused ultrasound. New targeted therapies and immunotherapies with documented intracranial activity have transformed clinical outcomes. Novel systemic therapies with intracranial utility include new anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors like brigatinib and ensartinib; selective "rearranged during transfection" inhibitors like selpercatinib and pralsetinib; B-raf proto-oncogene inhibitors like encorafenib and vemurafenib; Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene inhibitors like sotorasib and adagrasib; ROS1 gene rearrangement (ROS1) inhibitors, anti-neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase agents like larotrectinib and entrectinib; anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/epidermal growth factor receptor exon 20 agent like poziotinib; and antibody-drug conjugates like trastuzumab-emtansine and trastuzumab-deruxtecan. This review highlights the modern multidisciplinary management of BM, emphasizing the integration of systemic and local therapies.

Management of Complications in Neuro-oncology Patients

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to familiarize the reader with the spectrum of neurologic and medical complications relevant to the care of patients with neurologic cancer while highlighting best practices to prevent morbidity and mortality. Topics include tumor-related epilepsy, vasogenic edema, complications of corticosteroid use, disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, venous thromboembolism, and opportunistic infection.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

In 2021, a joint guideline from the Society for Neuro-Oncology and the European Association of Neuro-Oncology reaffirmed recommendations first established in 2000 that patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors should not be prescribed an antiseizure medication prophylactically. For those with tumor-related epilepsy, monotherapy with a non-enzyme-inducing anticonvulsant is the preferred initial treatment, and levetiracetam remains the preferred first choice. Surveys of physician practice continue to demonstrate excessive use of glucocorticoids in the management of patients with both primary and metastatic central nervous system malignancy. This is particularly concerning among patients who require checkpoint inhibitors as the efficacy of these agents is blunted by concomitant glucocorticoid use, resulting in a reduction in overall survival. Finally, direct oral anticoagulants have been shown to be safe in patients with brain tumors and are now favored as first-line treatment among those who require treatment for venous thromboembolism.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Medical care for patients impacted by primary and secondary central nervous system malignancy is complex and requires a committed team-based approach that routinely calls upon the expertise of physicians across multiple fields. Neurologists have an important role to play and should be familiar with the spectrum of complications impacting these patients as well as the latest recommendations for management.

The HNF4A-CHPF pathway promotes proliferation and invasion through interactions with MAD1L1 in glioma

Chondroitin polymerizing factor (CHPF) is an important glycosyltransferases that participates in the biosynthesis of chondroitin sulfate (CS). Our previous study showed that silencing CHPF expression inhibited glioma cell proliferation in vitro, but the molecular mechanisms by which CHPF contributes to development of glioma have not been characterized. In this study, we found that CHPF was up-regulated in glioma tissues and was positively correlated with malignant clinical pathological characteristics of patients with glioma. Silencing CHPF expression inhibited proliferation, colony formation, migration, and cell cycle of glioma cells. Moreover, silencing CHPF suppressed glioma malignance in vivo. Immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation, GST pulldown, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assays were used to verify the interaction between CHPF and Mitotic arrest deficient 1-like 1 (MAD1L1). In addition, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR analysis showed that HNF4A bound to the CHPF promoter region, which indicated that the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 4A (HNF4A) could regulate the expression of CHPF in glioma cells.

Modern Management and Diagnostics in HER2+ Breast Cancer with CNS Metastasis

Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer have seen improved survival and outcomes over the past two decades. As patients live longer, the incidence of CNS metastases has increased in this population. The authors' review outlines the most current data in HER2-positive brain and leptomeningeal metastases and discuss the current treatment paradigm in this disease. Up to 55% of HER2-positive breast cancer patients go on to experience CNS metastases. They may present with a variety of focal neurologic symptoms, such as speech changes or weakness, and may also have more diffuse symptoms related to high intracranial pressure, such as headaches, nausea, or vomiting. Treatment can include focal treatments, such as surgical resection or radiation (focal or whole-brain radiation), as well as systemic therapy options or even intrathecal therapy in the case of leptomeningeal disease. There have been multiple advancements in systemic therapy for these patients over the past few years, including the availability of tucatinib and trastuzumab-deruxtecan. Hope remains high as clinical trials for CNS metastases receive greater attention and as other HER2-directed methods are being studied in clinical trials with the goal of better outcomes for these patients.

Adherence to Prophylactic Anticonvulsant Guidelines for Newly Diagnosed Brain Tumor Patients: A Quality Improvement Study

Background and Purpose

Clinical guidelines suggest that prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) should be given to newly diagnosed seizure-naive brain tumor patients for up to 1 week after craniotomy. Yet, data suggest that prophylactic AEDs are used up to 12 months after surgery. A quality improvement project was implemented to improve adherence to evidence-based prophylactic AED guidelines.

Methods

A quasi-experimental, pre- and post-test intervention design was used to assess the effect of a multiphase intervention on guideline adherence and prophylactic anticonvulsant prescription rates. The 16-week intervention consisted of provider education sessions, provider alerts, documentation templates, and a weekly audit and feedback. Participants included four providers and newly diagnosed seizure-naive brain tumor patients. Measures included guideline adherence rates and AED prescription rates extracted from chart review, and a provider attitude and knowledge survey. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and Chi-square tests.

Results

Guideline adherence increased significantly (p < .01) from 4 months before implementation (15.8%) to 1 year before implementation (27.8%) and then to 93.3% after implementation. Provider knowledge showed clinically meaningful decreases in the likelihood to prescribe prophylactic AEDs (-.5 point) and increased understanding of prophylactic AED side effects (+0.5 point), although these were not statistically significant (p = .083). Finally, prophylactic AED prescription rates decreased by 2.2% (p = .119) compared with 4 months and 1 year before implementation (2.6%; p = .072).

Conclusion

This project highlights the important role of provider education, provider alerts, a documentation template, and audit and feedback in improving guideline adherence rate. Findings suggest that the combination intervention and weekly audit and feedback strategy can improve guideline adherence to prophylactic anticonvulsant use in seizure-naive newly diagnosed brain tumor patients.

Implications

By following prophylactic AED guideline recommendations, clinicians can avoid the potential side effects of anticonvulsant-induced cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric issues that can impair patients' quality of life.

Therapeutic Options for Brain Metastases in Gynecologic Cancers

OPINION STATEMENT

Brain metastases (BM) are rare in gynecologic cancers. Overall BM confers a poor prognosis but other factors such as number of brain lesions, patient age, the presence of extracranial metastasis, the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score, and the type of primary cancer also impact prognosis. Taking a patient's whole picture into perspective is crucial in deciding the appropriate management strategy. The management of BM requires an interdisciplinary approach that frequently includes oncology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology and palliative care. Treatment includes both direct targeted therapies to the lesion(s) as well as management of the neurologic side effects caused by mass effect. There is limited evidence of when screening for BM in the gynecology oncology patient is warranted but it is recommended that any cancer patient with new focal neurologic deficit or increasing headaches should be evaluated. The primary imaging modality for detection of BM is MRI, but other imaging modalities such as CT and PET scan can be used for certain scenarios. New advances in radiation techniques, improved imaging modalities, and systemic therapies are helping to discover BM earlier and provide treatments with less detrimental side effects.

Quality of Life and Cognitive Function Evaluations and Interventions for Patients with Brain Metastases in the Radiation Oncology Clinic

Simple Summary

Brain metastases (BMs) are the most common brain malignancy and are projected to increase in incidence over the coming decades. Historically, brain metastasis studies have focused on improving survival outcomes, but recently, the importance of evaluating health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and cognitive function has gained recognition. Although there is a myriad of validated HRQOL and cognitive assessments available in the radiation oncology clinic, there is an urgent need to identify tools tailored to patients with BMs and to adopt a uniform set of tests that measure HRQOL and cognition. This review presents various assessments for measuring HRQOL and cognitive function, current recommendations to improve standardization, and treatments known to preserve HRQOL and cognitive function.

Abstract

Brain metastases (BMs) account for a disproportionately high percentage of cancer morbidity and mortality. Historically, studies have focused on improving survival outcomes, and recent radiation oncology clinical trials have incorporated HRQOL and cognitive assessments. We are now equipped with a battery of assessments in the radiation oncology clinic, but there is a lack of consensus regarding how to incorporate them in modern clinical practice. Herein, we present validated assessments for BM patients, current recommendations for future clinical studies, and treatment advances that have improved HRQOL and cognitive outcomes for BM patients.

Tackling brain metastases from lung cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

Given the enormous strain the COVID-19 pandemic has put on healthcare worldwide, appropriate allocation of resources according to priority is of immense importance. As brain metastases are a common presentation in lung cancer, during the pandemic, it potentially can pose a major management challenge to clinicians. In this article, we outline a pragmatic approach that oncologists should consider while managing these patients. The overarching principle is to deliver best, evidence-based treatment without compromising patient care while ensuring the safety of healthcare workers.

Revision of Pharmacological Treatment Recommendations for Cancer Pain: Clinical Guidelines from the Japanese Society of Palliative Medicine

Background: Pain is one of the most common symptoms in cancer patients. The Japanese Society for Palliative Medicine (JSPM) first published its clinical guidelines for the management of cancer pain in 2010. Since then, more research on cancer pain management has been reported, and new drugs have become available in Japan. Thus, the JSPM has now revised the clinical guidelines using a validated methodology. Methods: This guideline was developed through a systematic review, discussion, and the Delphi method, following a formal guideline development process. Results: Thirty-five recommendations were created: 19 for the pharmacological management of cancer pain, 6 for the management of opioid-induced adverse effects, and 10 for pharmacological treatment procedures. Due to the lack of evidence that directly addressed our clinical questions, most of the recommendations had to be based on consensus among committee members and other guidelines. Discussion: It is critical to continue to build high-quality evidence in cancer pain management, and revise these guidelines accordingly.

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma: A Case of a Benign Presentation and Emergency Department Management

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas (SSEHs) are neurological emergencies complicated by a wide array of presentations. In this study, we report a case of a patient who presented with neck pain and was diagnosed with an SSEH with computed tomography (CT) angiography with subsequent confirmation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The high-risk location and size of the lesion guided management and surgical intervention. In a stable patient presenting to the emergency department without focal neurological deficits, clinical suspicion and assessment of risk factors are integral in the evaluation of patient risk and subsequent imaging and intervention.

Relevant pharmacologic interactions in the concurrent management of brain tumor-related epilepsy and venous thromboembolism: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Co-administration of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is increasingly common in brain tumor patients. We therefore performed a systematic review of the current evidence for potential drug interactions between DOACs and AEDs in this patient population.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the literature via PubMed according to PRISMA guidelines (last accessed December 15, 2021). Included were clinical studies and case reports, written in English language and published between 2010 and 2021, that investigated concurrent clinical use of AEDs with DOACs for any indication. Non-English articles, articles not related to our research question, review articles and commentaries were excluded. Full-text articles were evaluated for possible confounding factors and results were summarized using a data table highlighting the key characteristics of each article.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 122 unique articles, of which 27 were deemed relevant to our research question. Of these, 8 articles were clinical studies (n = 295,415 patients) and 19 were case reports (n = 25 patients). Only 3 clinical studies and 2 case reports reported interactions between AEDs and DOACs in patients with active cancer and none reported interactions in patients with brain tumors.

CONCLUSION

We have identified low (class IV) level evidence of potential drug interactions between DOACs and AEDs. Even though there is no current report of interactions in brain tumor patients, neuro-oncology providers should be aware of the emerging evidence regarding drug interactions between DOACs and AEDs and take this into consideration when concurrently prescribing these to patients.

Brain metastases: increasingly precision medicine-a narrative review

Objective

To broadly review the modern management of brain metastases.

Background

Brain metastases are the commonest neurological manifestation of cancer and a major cause of morbidity in cancer patients. Brain metastases are increasing in frequency, as a result of longer life expectancy of cancer patients, more sensitive methods for brain metastasis detection and an ageing population. The proportional incidence of brain metastases according to cancer of origin, from greatest to least, is lung cancer, melanoma, renal, breast and colorectal cancers. Patients with lung cancer and melanoma are most likely to have brain metastases at diagnosis. Brain metastases cause a variety of symptoms, depending on their size and location, whether they cause mass effect and oedema, compression of the brain parenchyma, or focal neurological deficits. The major differential diagnoses of brain metastases include primary tumours and vascular/inflammatory lesions. Prognosis is dependent on the site, number and volume of lesions, the patients’ performance status, age and the activity and extent of extracranial disease.

Methods

English literature articles in PubMed from 1950 to June 2021 were reviewed. Article bibliographies provided further references.

Conclusions

Treatment of brain metastasis patients has moved from considering them as a homogenous population of patients, to individualised treatment. In those brain metastases patients of satisfactory performance status with a solitary lesion, especially one in a non-eloquent/accessible area causing significant mass effect and/or raised intracranial pressure or for whom the diagnosis is in doubt (histology needed), surgical resection is usually the treatment of choice. For multiple brain metastases, radiotherapy with or without systemic therapies are usually employed. For relatively fit patients with limited numbers of brain metastases (e.g., 4 or less), stereotactic radiosurgery is standard of care. Current clinical trials are testing the efficacy of stereotactic treatment alone for >4 brain metastases (although it is increasingly used for such patients in many centres) as well as integration of local therapies with targeted and immunological therapies in appropriately selected cases. In certain circumstances, cranial irradiation can be omitted.

Early 2 factor (E2F) transcription factors contribute to malignant progression and have clinical prognostic value in lower-grade glioma

Early 2 factor (E2F) genes encoding a family of transcription factors are significantly associated with apoptosis, metabolism, and angiogenesis in several tumor types. However, the biological functions of E2F transcription factors (E2Fs) and their potential involvement in the malignancy of lower-grade glioma (LGG) remain unclear. We explored the effects of the expression of eight E2F family members on the clinical characteristics of LGG based on the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and GSE16011 datasets. Two LGG subgroups were identified according to the consensus clustering of the eight E2Fs. We employed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression algorithm for further functional experiments and the development of a potential risk score. Two categories of patients with LGG were identified based on the median risk scores. We then developed a nomogram based on the results of the multivariate analysis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were performed to validate the bioinformatics results. Our results indicated that E2F family members were significantly involved in the malignancy of LGG and might serve as effective prognostic biomarkers of the disease.

Medical and Neurological Management of Brain Tumor Complications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The diagnosis of brain tumors often leads to complications that are either related to the tumor itself or the tumor-directed and supportive therapies, increasing the burden on the patients' quality of life and even survival. This article reviews the medical and neurological conditions that commonly complicate the disease course of brain tumors patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Various mechanisms have been newly identified to be involved in the pathophysiology of seizures and brain edema and can help advance the treatment of such complications. There have also been new developments in the management of thromboembolic disease and cognitive impairment. Medical and neurological complications are being identified more often in brain tumor patients with the improved survival provided by therapeutic advances. Early and proper identification and management of such complications are crucial for a better survival and quality of life.

Anticonvulsant prophylaxis and steroid use in adults with metastatic brain tumors: summary of SNO and ASCO endorsement of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons guidelines

BACKGROUND

The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) has developed a series of guidelines on the treatment of adults with metastatic brain tumors, including systemic therapy and supportive care topics. ASCO has a policy and set of procedures for endorsing clinical practice guidelines that have been developed by other professional organizations.

METHODS

Two CNS Guidelines were reviewed for developmental rigor by methodologists and an independent multi-disciplinary Expert Panel was formed to review the content and assess agreement with the recommendations. The expert panel voted to endorse the two guidelines and ASCO and SNO independently reviewed and approved the ASCO/SNO guideline endorsement.

RESULTS

The ASCO/SNO Expert Panel determined that the recommendations from the CNS anticonvulsants and steroids guidelines, published January 9, 2019, are clear, thorough, and based upon the most relevant scientific evidence. ASCO/SNO endorsed these two CNS guidelines, with minor alterations.

CONCLUSIONS

Key recommendations include: prophylactic anti-epileptic drugs were not recommended for routine use; corticosteroids (specifically dexamethasone) were recommended for temporary symptomatic relief in patients with neurologic symptoms and signs related to mass effect from brain metastases.

Current approaches to the management of brain metastases

Brain metastases are a very common manifestation of cancer that have historically been approached as a single disease entity given the uniform association with poor clinical outcomes. Fortunately, our understanding of the biology and molecular underpinnings of brain metastases has greatly improved, resulting in more sophisticated prognostic models and multiple patient-related and disease-specific treatment paradigms. In addition, the therapeutic armamentarium has expanded from whole-brain radiotherapy and surgery to include stereotactic radiosurgery, targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which are often used sequentially or in combination. Advances in neuroimaging have provided additional opportunities to accurately screen for intracranial disease at initial cancer diagnosis, target intracranial lesions with precision during treatment and help differentiate the effects of treatment from disease progression by incorporating functional imaging. Given the numerous available treatment options for patients with brain metastases, a multidisciplinary approach is strongly recommended to personalize the treatment of each patient in an effort to improve the therapeutic ratio. Given the ongoing controversies regarding the optimal sequencing of the available and expanding treatment options for patients with brain metastases, enrolment in clinical trials is essential to advance our understanding of this complex and common disease. In this Review, we describe the key features of diagnosis, risk stratification and modern paradigms in the treatment and management of patients with brain metastases and provide speculation on future research directions.

Seizures in patients with cancer

Seizures are common in patients with cancer and either result from brain lesions, paraneoplastic syndromes, and complications of cancer treatment or are provoked by systemic illness (metabolic derangements, infections). Evaluation should include a tailored history, neurologic examination, laboratory studies, neuroimaging, and electroencephalogram. In unprovoked seizures, antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment is required, and a nonenzyme-inducing AED is preferred. Treatment of the underlying cancer with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy also can help reduce seizures. Benzodiazepines are useful in the treatment of both provoked seizures and breakthrough epileptic seizures and as first-line treatment for status epilepticus. Counseling for safety is an important component in the care of a patient with cancer who has seizures. Good seizure management can be challenging but significantly improves the quality of life during all phases of care, including end-of-life care.