The effectiveness and safety of bevacizumab in improving the efficacy of antiseizure medication in treating refractory epilepsy induced by stereotactic radiosurgery in meningiomas

Abstract

Background: Refractory epilepsy (RE) increases rapidly after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), but the reports on RE treatment are rare, with various methods and efficacy. In recent years, bevacizumab (BEV) has been widely used as it is effective in eliminating intracranial oedema and reducing radioactive damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of additional BEV to RE after SRS in the real world.

Methods: Seizure freedom and seizure response were defined as 100% and > 50% reduction in seizure frequency at baseline and 6-, 9- and 12-month follow-ups. The sustained seizure-free (SSF), sustained seizure response (SSR) was used to assess the effectiveness of BEV. The number of anti-seizure medications (ASM), seizure severity (NH3), and epilepsy quality of life rating scale (QOLIE-31) scores were compared before and 12 months after treatment.

Results: Forty-one patients were included from January 2020 to December 2022. During the 1-year follow-up, 5 patients (12.2%) achieved SSF lasting 12 months, and 4.9% and 7.3% enjoyed SSF more than 6 months and 9 months, respectively. Twelve patients (29.3%) achieved SSR lasting for 12 months, and 19.5% and 24.4% of the study cohort achieved SSR more than 6 months and 9 months, respectively. Patients’ ASM, NH3, and QOLIE-31 scores significantly improved 12 months after treatment, and the adverse reactions were controllable.

Conclusion: This study is the first to explore and report the additional use of BEV in the treatment of RE after SRS in meningiomas. BEV was effective and safe in the treatment of SRS-induced RE.