The role of prophylactic anticonvulsants in the management of brain metastases: a systematic review and evidence-based clinical practice guideline.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2010

Comments

This article has been peer reviewed. It was published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology

Volume 96, Issue 1, January 2010, Pages 97-102.

The published version is available at DOI: 10.1007/s11060-009-0056-5. Copyright © Springer

Abstract

QUESTION: Do prophylactic anticonvulsants decrease the risk of seizure in patients with metastatic brain tumors compared with no treatment?

TARGET POPULATION: These recommendations apply to adults with solid brain metastases who have not experienced a seizure due to their metastatic brain disease.

RECOMMENDATION: Level 3 For adults with brain metastases who have not experienced a seizure due to their metastatic brain disease, routine prophylactic use of anticonvulsants is not recommended. Only a single underpowered randomized controlled trial (RCT), which did not detect a difference in seizure occurrence, provides evidence for decision-making purposes.

PubMed ID

19957015

Share

COinS