IEC 2021 | Examining the use of precision medicine approaches for genetic epilepsies in the real-world

Simona Balestrini, MD, PhD, University College London, London, UK, describes a multicenter study carried out to examine the real-world use and effectiveness of precision medicine to treat epilepsy. The study used a systemic survey of patients with epilepsy with a molecular genetic diagnosis to examine how frequently a precision medicine strategy was employed. Results suggested that only in a minority of cases could a precision medicine strategy be applied, and the number of patients who benefited from it was even lower. Of nearly 300 patients, 32% had treatment changes based on their genetic findings, including 19% who received rational precision medicine treatment. This shows that the success of real-world application of gene therapy for epilepsy is still limited, explains Dr Balestrini. This interview took place during the 34th International Epilepsy Congress, 2021.