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Previous studies have shown that levetiracetam is better tolerated and at least as efficacious as phenytoin in preventing seizures in patients with brain tumors (Neurology 2008; 71:665 and J Neurooncol 2009; 93:349). To further study the efficacy and safety of levetiracetam in these patients, researchers prospectively followed 176 patients with a new diagnosis of a glioma who were not already taking an antiepileptic drug (AED). Only the 82 patients who met a modified definition of epilepsy were placed on levetiracetam.
At the final follow-up visit (median, 13 months), about 90% of patients were seizure free on levetiracetam monotherapy. Most patients tolerated the treatment well, and only seven required AED polytherapy for refractory seizure…