Epilepsy characteristics and outcomes in patients with pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas - Report - MDSpire

Epilepsy characteristics and outcomes in patients with pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas

  • By

  • Cody L. Nathan

  • Dina Ghandour

  • Elizabeth M. Cunningham

  • Rimas V. Lukas

  • Jared Sullivan

  • Sean Sachdev

  • Jessica W. Templer

  • June 19, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Features and Prognostic Outcomes of Epilepsy in Individuals with Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytomas

Overview

This study investigates the clinical, pathologic, and EEG features impacting seizure outcomes in patients with pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas (PXAs) and tumor-related epilepsy. Findings indicate that younger age at seizure onset, smaller tumor diameter, and BRAF mutations are associated with seizure freedom post-resection.

Background

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare CNS tumor with a moderately aggressive nature, primarily affecting young adults. Seizures are a common presenting symptom, occurring in 30–77% of cases at diagnosis according to various studies. Understanding seizure outcomes in PXA is crucial for patient management.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Seizures occur in 30–77% of PXA cases at diagnosis.
  • 65% of patients were seizure-free after initial tumor resection in a recent study.
  • Younger age at seizure onset and smaller tumor diameter correlate with seizure freedom.
  • BRAF mutations are more common in patients who achieve seizure freedom post-resection.
  • Seizure outcomes are not significantly impacted by tumor recurrence after initial resection.

Clinical Implications

The identification of clinical features such as age and tumor size can aid in predicting seizure outcomes in PXA patients.

Conclusion

The study highlights important clinical features that influence seizure outcomes in patients with PXAs.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Acta Neuropathologica, 2016 -- Polymorphous Low-Grade Neuroepithelial Tumor in Young Patients: An Epileptogenic Tumor Featuring Oligodendroglioma-like Characteristics, Unusual CD34 Expression, and Genetic Changes in the MAP Kinase Pathway
  2. Acta Neuropathologica, 2021 -- Activation of NTRK2 and ALK Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Fusions Broadens the Molecular Profile of Early Childhood Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytomas: Implications for Differential Diagnosis with Infant-Type Hemispheric Glioma
  3. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2022 -- Traditional and Novel Approaches to the Management of Astrocytomas and Oligodendrogliomas
  4. Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 2022 -- Epileptic Seizures in Individuals with IDH-Mutated Low-Grade Gliomas
  5. Clinical, Morphological, and Molecular Study on Grade 2 and 3 Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma - PMC, 2024
  6. Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) and Other BRAF-Altered Tumors: Diagnosis and Treatment - NCI
  7. Seizure characteristics and outcomes in patients with pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma - PMC
  8. Clinical, Morphological, and Molecular Study on Grade 2 and 3 Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma - PMC
  9. Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) and Other BRAF-Altered Tumors: Diagnosis and Treatment - NCI
  10. Seizure characteristics and outcomes in patients with pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma - PMC

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