Mapping integrated care for brain tumour–related epilepsy in the Italian RIN–IRCCS network
BACKGROUND: Brain tumour-related epilepsy is a frequent and disabling complication of primary and metastatic brain tumours, requiring multidimensional and coordinated management. However, specific guidelines and standardized care pathways for this condition are still lacking. This study aimed to assess the current organization of care for brain tumour-related epilepsy within the Italian Network of Neuroscience and Neuro-rehabilitation Research Institutes. METHODS: A national, multicentre survey was conducted across participating centres between April and June 2024, with follow-up validation in December 2025. The questionnaire investigated human resources, technological availability, clinical pathways, and management strategies. Data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: Ten centres participated. All reported adopting a multidisciplinary approach, although with marked variability in team composition, expertise, and resources. Core specialists were available in most centres, while paediatric expertise was often lacking. Advanced neurophysiological monitoring and antiseizure medication level assessment were not uniformly accessible. Magnetic Resonance imaging was widely available, whereas Positron Emission Tomography was less consistently implemented. No centre had a dedicated clinical pathway for brain tumour-related epilepsy, despite the presence of pathways for brain tumours and epilepsy separately. Neuropsychological and comorbidity assessments were inconsistently integrated into care. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight significant heterogeneity in the management of brain tumour-related epilepsy, even in highly specialized settings. The development of dedicated, standardized clinical pathways is needed to harmonize care and improve patient outcomes.
Authors
- Luca De Palma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0714-8230)
- Paola Bini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1612-6156)
- Pasquale Persico (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2446-8604)
- Antonio Silvani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4791-1042)
- Elena Pasini (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1069-892X)
- Giulia Berzero (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8798-9058)
- Giuseppe Didato (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4812-6310)
- Veronica Villani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8769-9966)
- Marco de Curtis (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7443-6737)
- Roberta Di Giacomo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4202-955X)
- Mariangela Farinotti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0670-452X)
- Elena Anghileri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7383-3108)
- Claudia Milanaccio (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8023-643X)
- E. Bennicelli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0008-0026)
- Giorgio Arcara (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6270-6883)
- Andrea Pace (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9407-6916)
- Alessia Marcassoli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5003-1409)
- Anna Bellini
- Angela Mastronuzzi
- Marta Maschio
- Flavio Villani
- Dario Arnaldi
- Enrico Franceschi
- Massimo Filippi
Institutions
- University of Padua (IT)
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini (IT)
- Foundation Center (US)
- Fondazione Istituto Neurologico Nazionale Casimiro Mondino (IT)
- Urology Foundation (GB)
- Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna (IT)
- Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IT)
- IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele (IT)
- National Cancer Institute (MY)
- Ospedale Policlinico San Martino (IT)
- Ospedale generale di zona San Camillo Treviso (IT)
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital (IT)
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Neurological Sciences
- Published
- 2026-06-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-026-09188-w
- Primary Topic
- Glioma Diagnosis and Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Ministero della Salute
- European Network for Rare Adult Solid Cancers