• Perry J, Zinman L, Laperriere N, Chambers A, Lloyd N, Spithoff K, Neuro-oncology Disease Site Group. The use of prophylactic anticonvulsants in patients with brain tumours: a clinical practice guideline. Toronto (ON): Cancer Care Ontario (CCO); 2006 Oct 11. 23 p. (Evidence-based series; no. 9-4). [16 references]

• The routine use of postoperative anticonvulsants is not recommended in seizure-naïve patients with newly diagnosed primary or secondary brain tumours, especially in light of a significant risk of serious adverse effects and problematic drug interactions. This recommendation is in agreement with the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) practice parameter.
• There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of anticonvulsants in the perioperative period for patients with brain tumours who have never had a seizure.
• There is very little evidence to guide treatment for patients who are already on anticonvulsants but have never had a seizure. There is insufficient evidence to recommend whether or not anticonvulsants should be tapered in this situation and therefore treatment must be individualized.

None provided

The recommendations are supported by one evidence-based practice guideline, five randomized controlled trials, one systematic review, and one retrospective review.

• Perry J, Zinman L, Laperriere N, Chambers A, Lloyd N, Spithoff K, Neuro-oncology Disease Site Group. The use of prophylactic anticonvulsants in patients with brain tumours: a clinical practice guideline. Toronto (ON): Cancer Care Ontario (CCO); 2006 Oct 11. 23 p. (Evidence-based series; no. 9-4). [16 references]

Not applicable: The guideline was not adapted from another source.

2006 Oct

Program in Evidence-based Care - State/Local Government Agency [Non-U.S.]

The Program in Evidence-based Care (PEBC) is a Province of Ontario initiative sponsored by Cancer Care Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Cancer Care Ontario
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Neuro-oncology Disease Site Group

The members of the Neuro-oncology Disease Site Group (DSG) were asked to disclose potential conflicts of interest relating to the topic of this systematic review and meta-analysis. No conflicts were declared.

None available

None available

This summary was completed by ECRI on March 28, 2008.