Abstract Details

Title Feasibility of a Structured Tumor-related Epilepsy ��ɫ�� Intervention in Adult Gliomas

Topic Neuro-oncology

Presentation(s) P1 - Poster Session 1 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 7-014

Objective NA

Background Tumor-related epilepsy (TRE) occurs in over 50% of glioma patients, is the most common cause of hospitalizations and leads to increased cost, health care utilization and distress. We designed a structured TRE-specific education intervention aimed at patients and caregivers. We evaluated the feasibility of incorporating this into clinical practice while assessing the effect on distress and baseline TRE knowledge.

Design/Methods We prospectively enrolled glioma patients (with or without TRE) and caregivers on an IRB approved study. Subjects underwent a pre-test to assess baseline knowledge regarding seizure management. A neuro-oncology provider guided subjects through a short presentation focused on home care and management of acute symptomatic seizures. Distress was measured before and after the educational intervention using a distress thermometer. A post-test was also completed. At two and six months, distress was re-assessed and post-tests were repeated. Subject satisfaction was assessed following the intervention using Likert scales and qualitative feedback.

Results 50 subjects (23 patients, 27 caregivers) were enrolled. Median age was 59. 52% of patients had TRE. Patient tumors were glioblastoma (58.3%), anaplastic astrocytoma (25%) and anaplastic oligodendroglioma (16.7%). Median time to completion of distress assessments, pre-test, intervention and post-test was 21.5 minutes. Median baseline distress scores were 2/10 for patients and 5/10 for caregivers. Distress scores decreased by a mean of 1.5 points for all subjects between the initial and two-month visit. Median pre-test and post-test scores regarding TRE knowledge for all subjects were 7/9 and 9/9, respectively. All subjects considered the education understandable. 98% of subjects strongly agreed that the education was helpful and informative. Caregivers reported more distress despite better baseline seizure knowledge than patients.

Conclusions

Structured TRE education is feasible, reduces distress and improves awareness regarding seizure management. It should be considered in all glioma patients and their caregivers. Further prospective studies are warranted.

Authors/Disclosures
Andrea C. Wasilewski, MD (Givens Brain Tumor Center) PRESENTER	Dr. Wasilewski has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Novocure. Dr. Wasilewski has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Servier Pharmaceuticals .
Jennifer N. Serventi, PA (University Of Rochester Medical Center)	Ms. Serventi has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving on a Speakers Bureau for Novocure.
Chinazom U. Ibegbu, MD (Roswell Park Cancer Institute)	Dr. Ibegbu has nothing to disclose.
Joy E. Burke, MD (University of Rochester)	No disclosure on file
Thomas Wychowski, MD (University of Rochester)	The institution of Dr. Wychowski has received research support from UCB.
Nimish A. Mohile, MD, FAAN	The institution of Dr. Mohile has received research support from Novocure.

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