Patients with brain tumors are susceptible to multiple complications that can affect their survival or quality of life. The scope of these complications is widening due to prolonged overall survival and improved therapies. In this review, we discuss the most common complications in this patient population focusing on the recent literature. We specifically concentrated on tumor-related epilepsy, vasogenic edema, infectious, vascular, chemotherapeutic, radiation, endocrine, and cognitive complications.
Neurological and Medical Complications in Brain Tumor Patients
David Schiff 1, Mossaed Alyahya 2Affiliations expand
- PMID: 32601979
- DOI: 10.1007/s11910-020-01054-2
Erratum in
- Correction to: Neurological and Medical Complications in Brain Tumor Patients.Alyahya M, Schiff D.Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2020 Jul 14;20(9):40. doi: 10.1007/s11910-020-01066-y.PMID: 32666272
Abstract
Purpose of review: Patients with brain tumors are susceptible to multiple complications that can affect their survival or quality of life. The scope of these complications is widening due to prolonged overall survival and improved therapies. In this review, we discuss the most common complications in this patient population focusing on the recent literature. We specifically concentrated on tumor-related epilepsy, vasogenic edema, infectious, vascular, chemotherapeutic, radiation, endocrine, and cognitive complications.
Recent findings: Molecular biomarkers play a role in epileptogenicity in brain tumor patients, and anti-epileptic drugs may cause neuro-cognitive side effects independent of other factors. The pathophysiology of vasogenic edema remains complex and poorly understood. Limited data suggest that newer oral anticoagulants appear to be safe and effective in venous and arterial thromboembolic complications. Brain tumor patients are prone to a wide variety of complications, including some related to new therapies. Optimal management of these complications improves quality of life, and in some cases overall survival.
Keywords: Brain tumors; Cognitive impairment; Complications; Radiation necrosis; Seizures; Stroke.
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