Is Precision Therapy in Infantile-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathies Still Too Far to Call Upon?
Abstract
:Featured Application
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Advances in Diagnostic Approaches
3. Limitations of Phenotype-Based Therapy
4. Precision Therapy: A Paradigm Shift
- Gene-Specific Targeting: Approaches such as sodium channel modulators for SCN2A mutations, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) for Angelman Syndrome, and CRISPR-based gene editing for mutation correction exemplify how genetic insights can directly inform therapeutic strategies [23].
- Pathway-Specific Interventions: Examples include mTOR inhibitors for tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) [24], AMPA receptor modulators for GRIN2A-related encephalopathies [25]. These interventions target disrupted molecular pathways to restore cellular function. Additionally, pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is a cornerstone therapy for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE), effectively reducing seizures by addressing the metabolic defect caused by ALDH7A1 mutations. Similarly, the ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carbohydrate regimen, is a precision therapy for GLUT1 Deficiency Syndrome (GLUT1-DS), providing an alternative energy source (ketones) for the brain and mitigating seizures caused by impaired glucose transport.
- Early Diagnosis and Intervention: Early identification of genetic mutations through newborn screening programs facilitates the timely initiation of treatments during critical neurodevelopmental periods, potentially mitigating irreversible damage. For instance, recognizing ALDH7A1 mutations in PDE [26] or SLC2A1 mutations in GLUT1-DS allows for the immediate application of therapies like pyridoxine or the ketogenic diet, which are most effective when initiated early.
- Biomarker-Driven Outcomes: Biomarkers, such as CSF neurofilament light chain levels and EEG patterns, enable real-time monitoring of disease progression and treatment efficacy, providing valuable feedback for optimizing interventions [27].
- Multidisciplinary Care: Precision therapy necessitates collaboration among geneticists, neurologists, metabolic specialists, and dieticians to develop and implement comprehensive care plans that address both the genetic and metabolic needs of patients [28].
5. Barriers to Implementation
- Diagnostic Delays: In pediatric patients, the lack of access to advanced genetic testing can prolong the diagnostic odyssey, delaying effective interventions during critical neurodevelopmental periods. For example, in a child presenting with early-onset seizures, timely identification of a pathogenic SCN1A mutation could prevent inappropriate treatment with sodium channel blockers, which may exacerbate symptoms. Similarly, delays in identifying ALDH7A1 mutations in Pyridoxine-Dependent Epilepsy (PDE) or SLC2A1 mutations in GLUT1-Deficiency Syndrome (GLUT1-DS) can postpone the initiation of targeted therapies such as pyridoxine supplementation or the ketogenic diet, respectively. These delays not only exacerbate seizure activity but also contribute to long-term neurodevelopmental impairments [29].
- Therapeutic Accessibility: The financial burden and regulatory complexities surrounding novel therapies pose significant barriers. For instance, treatments like antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) for CDKL5 deficiency or gene-specific therapies for rare epilepsies often remain prohibitively expensive, limiting availability to families with sufficient financial resources [30]. Even less costly interventions, such as the ketogenic diet for GLUT1-DS, can be challenging to implement due to the need for specialized dietary planning and ongoing monitoring. Similarly, while pyridoxine therapy for PDE is more accessible, its effectiveness is limited by the availability of specialists who can diagnose and monitor these patients effectively. The complexity of personalized treatments often requires advanced technologies, extensive testing, and ongoing monitoring, all of which contribute to elevated costs. Additionally, regulatory hurdles can slow the introduction innovative therapies to clinical practice. To address these challenges, healthcare systems could explore innovative solutions such as public–private partnerships to share costs, adopt more flexible regulatory pathways for faster approval, and implement reimbursement models that prioritize value over volume. International collaboration between researchers, rulers, and the private sector will be essential to overcoming these barriers and making precision therapies more accessible.
- Clinical Evidence: The scarcity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for rare genetic epilepsies limits evidence-based treatment options [31]. Diseases like West Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome, PDE, and GLUT1-DS often rely on small-scale studies or case reports, which hinder the development of standardized therapeutic guidelines. For instance, while the ketogenic diet is widely recognized as a cornerstone therapy for GLUT1-DS, its long-term impact on cognitive outcomes and quality of life remains incompletely understood. Similarly, although pyridoxine supplementation for PDE is effective in reducing seizures, its role in preventing neurodevelopmental delay requires further investigation.
- Healthcare Education: Knowledge gaps in genomic medicine impede clinical integration. A pediatrician encountering a child with developmental delays and refractory seizures may lack sufficient training to interpret genetic testing results or recognize gene-specific treatment opportunities [32]. For example, clinicians unfamiliar with the metabolic basis of GLUT1-DS might not consider the ketogenic diet as a therapeutic option, or they might fail to promptly initiate pyridoxine therapy in suspected PDE cases. Comprehensive training programs in genomic medicine, integrated into pediatric neurology curricula, are essential to bridge these gaps. These programs should include case-based learning and real-world applications to equip clinicians with the tools to personalize care effectively. The following table, Table 1, provides a concise summary of key aspects discussed in this paper, highlighting the tools, interventions, and strategies integral to advancing precision therapy in pediatric epileptic and developmental encephalopathies (EDEs).
6. The Path Forward
- Integration of Genetic Testing: Establishing genetic testing as a diagnostic standard is particularly critical in pediatric care. For example, identifying a pathogenic KCNQ2 mutation in an infant presenting with neonatal seizures can facilitate targeted treatment strategies, such as the use of sodium channel modulators, significantly improving developmental outcomes and reducing seizure burden [33]. Early genetic insights also help avoid ineffective or harmful therapies, enabling a precision-guided approach from the outset of care.
- Studies on the impact of commonly used anti-epileptic drugs on gene expression: There are a few studies in the Literature on the impact of commonly used anti-epileptic drugs on the expression of genes linked to epiepileptogenesis. For example, in human embryonic stem cell based targeted to neural differentiation, valproic acid and carbamazepine exposure during differentiation determinate concentration-dependent reduced expression of βIII-tubulin, Neurogin1 and Reelin. Valproate caused an increased gene expression of Map2 and Mapt which is possibly related to the neural protective effect [34]. Of interest, Levetiracetam, one of the most widely used and safest anti-epileptic drugs, seems modular, in mice model, epileptogenesis by acting on the adenosine pathway with an increasing gene expression of A1Rs and Kir3.2 in the brain and a reduction in the gene expression of ENT1 central nervous system [35]. Over the past two decades, drug repositioning strategies have become increasingly significant due to their lower failure rates and reduced economic costs. Drugs with comparable side effect profiles may act through a shared mechanism, allowing them to be applied to the treatment of other diseases [36]. This knowledge is particularly important for countries with limited resources where ‘old’ drugs can be used for ‘new’ therapeutic targets, representing a variety of precision medicine.
- Therapeutic Innovation: Expanding pipelines for gene-specific therapies is particularly impactful in pediatric care. For example, in the context of epileptic disorders, therapies targeting SCN1A mutations in Dravet Syndrome have shown transformative potential [37]. Precision treatments such as fenfluramine have demonstrated efficacy in significantly reducing seizure frequency and improving quality of life in affected children [38]. These innovations underscore the critical role of tailoring interventions to the genetic basis of pediatric epileptic conditions, fostering both better seizure management and enhanced developmental outcomes.
- Global Collaboration: Enhancing data sharing and standardizing guidelines is vital in addressing rare pediatric epileptic disorders. For example, global initiatives like the International League Against Epilepsy’s (ILAE) collaborative networks enable clinicians and researchers worldwide to pool genetic data, share clinical insights, and standardize treatment protocols [39]. This collective approach ensures that even children in resource-limited settings can benefit from the latest advancements in precision therapies, improving diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes across diverse healthcare systems.
- Education and Advocacy: Empowering healthcare providers and patients through education is critical for the effective implementation of precision medicine [40]. For instance, in pediatric epilepsy, equipping clinicians with genomic knowledge allows them to recognize actionable mutations such as SCN1A in Dravet Syndrome, enabling timely and appropriate treatment adjustments. Additionally, educating families about genetic findings fosters informed decision-making and engagement in innovative therapies, ensuring the child receives optimal care.
- Patient and Family Empowerment: Involving families in therapeutic decision-making and research is particularly impactful in pediatric epilepsy [41]. For instance, educating parents about the potential benefits of genetic testing can lead to earlier identification of mutations such as SCN1A, allowing them to advocate for targeted therapies like fenfluramine for Dravet Syndrome. Additionally, involving families in clinical trials fosters a deeper understanding of available treatments and enhances engagement in the child’s care plan, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life.
- Strategies to increase affordability and improve equitable access: To increase the affordability and improve equitable access to precision medicine and therapy, global collaborations could play a pivotal role. By fostering partnerships between governments, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, the cost burden of developing and implementing precision therapies can be shared. Such collaborations could enable pooled resources for research and development, making therapies more affordable and widely accessible, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Through shared knowledge, economies of scale, and harmonized policies, these global efforts could address disparities in access, ensuring that the benefits of precision medicine reach diverse populations around the world.
7. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Category | Examples | Impact |
---|---|---|
Diagnostic Tools | NGS, WES, WGS, MRI spectroscopy | Enhanced identification of genetic mutations and structural abnormalities |
Gene-Specific Targeting | Sodium channel modulators (SCN2A), ASOs (Angelman), CRISPR | Addressing underlying genetic causes |
Pathway-Specific Interventions | mTOR inhibitors (TSC), AMPA modulators (GRIN2A), neuroprotective agents (POLG) | Improved seizure control and neuroprotection |
Metabolic Interventions | Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) for PDE, Ketogenic diet for GLUT1-DS | Reducing seizures and addressing metabolic dysfunctions |
Biomarkers | CSF neurofilament light chain, EEG patterns | Real-time monitoring of disease progression and treatment efficacy |
Therapeutic Challenges | Limited access, high costs, lack of RCTs | Hinder widespread adoption and equitable implementation |
Future Strategies | Genetic testing standardization, global collaboration, education | Accelerating transition to precision medicine |
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Falsaperla, R.; Sortino, V.; Pavone, P. Is Precision Therapy in Infantile-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathies Still Too Far to Call Upon? Appl. Sci. 2025, 15, 2372. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052372
Falsaperla R, Sortino V, Pavone P. Is Precision Therapy in Infantile-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathies Still Too Far to Call Upon? Applied Sciences. 2025; 15(5):2372. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052372
Chicago/Turabian StyleFalsaperla, Raffaele, Vincenzo Sortino, and Piero Pavone. 2025. "Is Precision Therapy in Infantile-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathies Still Too Far to Call Upon?" Applied Sciences 15, no. 5: 2372. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052372
APA StyleFalsaperla, R., Sortino, V., & Pavone, P. (2025). Is Precision Therapy in Infantile-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathies Still Too Far to Call Upon? Applied Sciences, 15(5), 2372. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052372