Gene Therapy, Innovative Drugs, Surgical Techniques, and the Evolving Landscape of Epilepsy Care: Gregory Krauss, MD

WATCH TIME: 5 minutes

"Neurologists have to be open to getting training, optimize one drug over another, and avoid polytherapy to reduce adverse events. The goal should be no adverse events, no seizures—minimizing stigma by controlling seizures and not suffering adverse effects. Also, potential breakthroughs for epilepsy are on the brink of being implemented into the care landscape including gene therapy for genetically linked epilepsies, newer drugs, and advancements in surgical techniques."

The advances to better understand the genetic basis of epilepsy in research offer the potential for the development of precise treatments, although current therapies have mostly targeted generalized seizure reduction in patients. These advancements include ongoing gene discovery, improved diagnostics, increased genetic testing access, enhanced natural history understanding, rigorous preclinical research, and collaboration among stakeholders.¹ According to recent research, researchers consider the future of genetic epilepsy precision medicine to be optimistic with the strategic pursuit of key opportunities to improve care.

Recently, Gregory Krauss, MD, professor of neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, presented as a speaker in SK Life Science’s symposium at the 2023 American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting, held December 1-5, in Orlando, Florida. The symposium, titled “Impact of Continued Seizures and Strategies for Seizure Reduction/Freedom” was led by experts in epilepsy and discussed ways to reduce and achieve seizure freedom and the impact of continued seizures on patients.² In addition, experts in the symposium talked about treatment adjustments prior to epilepsy surgery, and the options available that providers should when supporting patients in their care journey.

In a conversation with NeurologyLive® prior to the symposium, Krauss discussed how neurologists can navigate the challenges of an expanding array of epilepsy treatment options. He also talked about the role that societal stigma plays in the lives of patients with uncontrolled seizures, and how holistic approaches can minimize their impact. Additionally, Krauss spoke about the potential breakthroughs in epilepsy research, such as gene therapy and innovative surgical techniques, that are anticipated on the horizon.

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REFERENCES
1. Knowles JK, Helbig I, Metcalf CS, et al. Precision medicine for genetic epilepsy on the horizon: Recent advances, present challenges, and suggestions for continued progress. Epilepsia. 2022;63(10):2461-2475. doi:10.1111/epi.17332
3. SK Life Science to Host Symposium and Present New Data at the American Epilepsy Society (AES) 2023 Annual Meeting. News Release. SK Life Science. Published November 28, 2023. Accessed November 30, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sk-life-science-to-host-symposium-and-present-new-data-at-the-american-epilepsy-society-aes-2023-annual-meeting-301998374.html