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EEC 2022 | Biomarkers: moving beyond the trial-and-error approach in epilepsy

Iscia Lopes-Cendes, MD, PhD, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil, explains that it usually takes 10-15 years from a diagnosis of new onset epilepsy to be classified as having refractory seizures. In these years, patients receive numerous antiseizure medications (ASMs) and face continued seizures. Side effects of medication and ongoing seizures impedes the individual’s physical health and quality of life. Biomarkers able to predict treatment response and aid in decision making could revolutionize this trial-and-error approach, identifying those who do not respond to ASMs much earlier and enabling the timely pursuit of alternative treatments. Currently, there are a few potential biomarkers under investigation such as noncoding RNAs, micro-RNAs, and circulating metabolites. Dr Lopes-Cendes believes that more than one marker must be used in combination to detect refractory patients. This interview took place at the European Epilepsy Congress (EEC) 2022.