Specialty Focused Recordings: Neuro-Oncology-204 Treating Brain Tumors With Lasers Nursing Considerations For Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy

204 Treating Brain Tumors With Lasers Nursing Considerations For Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Sarah Beam’s presentation explains laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), a minimally invasive, FDA-approved procedure that uses a laser probe and real-time MRI thermography to heat and destroy targeted brain tissue. A small incision and single probe trajectory avoid an open craniotomy; temperature monitoring helps limit damage to surrounding structures.<br /><br />LITT may be considered for selected small, deep, recurrent tumors or lesions in eloquent brain areas, particularly when open surgery poses substantial risk. It can also treat radiation necrosis and certain metastases. It is an adjunct—not a replacement—for standard radiation and chemotherapy. Current evidence does not show that LITT alone extends glioblastoma survival, though it may offer quality-of-life benefits and shorter hospitalization. Early research suggests combining LITT with pembrolizumab may improve outcomes, but findings remain preliminary.<br /><br />Beam reviews contraindications, including large or superficial lesions and significant anesthesia or bleeding risks, and illustrates treatment through a patient case. The case highlights that LITT can control a targeted lesion but cannot stop tumor spread elsewhere. In discussion, attendees raise questions about MRI-based blood-flow imaging, patient preparation, repeat treatment, and when LITT may be appropriate.

Keywords

laser interstitial thermal therapy

LITT

minimally invasive neurosurgery

MRI thermography

brain tumors

radiation necrosis

glioblastoma

pembrolizumab

contraindications