Objectives: Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) caused by pathogenic variants in SCN8A are associated with difficult-to-treat and early-onset seizures, developmental delay/intellectual disability, impaired quality of life, and increased risk of early mortality. High doses of sodium channel blockers are typically used to treat SCN8A-DEE caused by gain-of-function (GoF) variants. However, seizures are often drug resistant, and only a few patients achieve seizure freedom. In this retrospective study, the effect of cenobamate was assessed in patients with SCN8A-DEE. Methods: Across multiple centers and through collaborations with SCN8A patient advocacy organizations, patients with SCN8A-DEE treated with cenobamate for ≥6 months were identified. Data were obtained from patients' caregivers or treating physicians through a (Research Electronic Data Capture) REDCap survey. The functional effect of the SCN8A variants was obtained from the literature or assessed by prediction tools. Results: Twelve patients (3–25 years of age (median 8 years), 9 females) with presumed GoF SCN8A variants were treated with cenobamate for a mean period of 17 months (range 6–42 months). Countable motor seizures were meaningfully reduced in 10 of 12 patients (83%). Six patients experienced a seizure reduction above 70%, of which two achieved seizure freedom. In addition, two patients achieved a reduction in seizures ranging between 50% and 70%. An increase in seizure-free days per patient was also reported. Rescue medication was decreased in six of seven patients (85%) in need. Furthermore, 80% of patients reported non–seizure-related improvements, which included increased alertness, better sleep, and improved muscle tone. Adverse effects were reported by 50% of patients, and half resolved spontaneously or through the reduction of concomitant antiseizure medications. Significance: Our data suggest that cenobamate is a promising and safe treatment for SCN8A-DEE, even during early childhood. As a potential precision approach to treatment, cenobamate significantly reduced seizure burden and improved non–seizure-related symptoms. These positive outcomes may also be achieved in patient cohorts with GoF variants in other voltage-gated sodium channel genes.
Cenobamate as add-on treatment for SCN8A developmental and epileptic encephalopathy / Gjerulfsen, Cathrine E; Oudin, Madeleine J; Furia, Francesca; Gverdtsiteli, Sopio; Landmark, Cecilie Johannessen; Trivisano, Marina; Balestrini, Simona; Guerrini, Renzo; Aledo-Serrano, Angel; Morcos, Ricardo; Previtali, Roberto; Veggiotti, Pierangelo; Ricci, Emilia; Rubboli, Guido; Gardella, Elena; Møller, Rikke S. - In: EPILEPSIA. - ISSN 1528-1167. - ELETTRONICO. - (2025), pp. 0-0. [10.1111/epi.18257]
Cenobamate as add-on treatment for SCN8A developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Balestrini, Simona;Guerrini, Renzo;
2025
Abstract
Objectives: Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) caused by pathogenic variants in SCN8A are associated with difficult-to-treat and early-onset seizures, developmental delay/intellectual disability, impaired quality of life, and increased risk of early mortality. High doses of sodium channel blockers are typically used to treat SCN8A-DEE caused by gain-of-function (GoF) variants. However, seizures are often drug resistant, and only a few patients achieve seizure freedom. In this retrospective study, the effect of cenobamate was assessed in patients with SCN8A-DEE. Methods: Across multiple centers and through collaborations with SCN8A patient advocacy organizations, patients with SCN8A-DEE treated with cenobamate for ≥6 months were identified. Data were obtained from patients' caregivers or treating physicians through a (Research Electronic Data Capture) REDCap survey. The functional effect of the SCN8A variants was obtained from the literature or assessed by prediction tools. Results: Twelve patients (3–25 years of age (median 8 years), 9 females) with presumed GoF SCN8A variants were treated with cenobamate for a mean period of 17 months (range 6–42 months). Countable motor seizures were meaningfully reduced in 10 of 12 patients (83%). Six patients experienced a seizure reduction above 70%, of which two achieved seizure freedom. In addition, two patients achieved a reduction in seizures ranging between 50% and 70%. An increase in seizure-free days per patient was also reported. Rescue medication was decreased in six of seven patients (85%) in need. Furthermore, 80% of patients reported non–seizure-related improvements, which included increased alertness, better sleep, and improved muscle tone. Adverse effects were reported by 50% of patients, and half resolved spontaneously or through the reduction of concomitant antiseizure medications. Significance: Our data suggest that cenobamate is a promising and safe treatment for SCN8A-DEE, even during early childhood. As a potential precision approach to treatment, cenobamate significantly reduced seizure burden and improved non–seizure-related symptoms. These positive outcomes may also be achieved in patient cohorts with GoF variants in other voltage-gated sodium channel genes.I documenti in FLORE sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.