Inoperable brain tumors are becoming a thing of the past. At Loma Linda University Health, patients can access laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), a groundbreaking, minimally invasive procedure. This method lets neurosurgeons treat tumors that were previously considered unreachable.
Deep brain tumors, like those in the thalamus or basal ganglia, pose tough challenges for patients. Traditional surgeries come with high risks, leaving many options limited to biopsy or radiation. LITT, however, is changing that. Using advanced robotics and real-time MRI guidance, doctors can target and destroy tumor tissue through a tiny incision, often in an outpatient setting.
According to Dr. Zachary Gersey, a neurosurgeon specializing in LITT, this technique has shifted our perspective on brain tumors. “The success of LITT means dealing with ‘inoperable’ tumors is no longer a distant dream,” he says. He adds, “The data show that LITT is safe, improves quality of life, and may enhance overall survival for certain cases.”
What Is Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy?
LITT, also known as laser ablation, uses controlled heat to destroy abnormal brain tissue. Specialists employ the ROSA robotic system, which ensures precise placement of a catheter into the tumor. This system allows for infrared accuracy, vital for safely reaching the cancerous tissue.
Once positioned, the catheter heats up to target the tumor while minimizing damage to nearby healthy areas. Throughout the procedure, MRI scans give real-time feedback, allowing doctors to monitor temperature and effects on the tumor. If temperatures rise too much, the system can automatically shut down.
Thanks to its minimally invasive nature, recovery times tend to be speedy. Many patients can leave the hospital the same day or the next.
Changing Perspectives on Treatment
Historically, “inoperable” referred to the location of a tumor that made traditional surgery too risky. Nowadays, LITT is an excellent alternative when open surgery poses significant dangers. In many cases, doctors can perform biopsies and tumor ablation during the same procedure, reducing the need for multiple surgeries.
One patient, Dale Strasshofer, experienced this firsthand when he was diagnosed with radiation necrosis. After evaluation, his team opted for ROSA-assisted biopsy and LITT instead of the more dangerous open brain surgery. “The procedure allowed for a biopsy, a definitive diagnosis, and ablation of the lesion,” he reflects. “I didn’t suffer any side effects, and recovery was quick.”
Recovery and Quality of Life
Most LITT procedures take between three to four hours. Patients often return to their daily routines almost immediately. Over time, as the treated tissue breaks down, any swelling decreases, relieving pressure on critical areas of the brain.
Dr. Gersey points out, “Removing pressure improves brain function. Symptoms like weakness or speech difficulties can lessen as swelling goes down.”
Emerging studies suggest that LITT may enhance progression-free survival and overall health when compared to no surgery or just biopsy. “Thanks to techniques like LITT, the term ‘inoperable brain tumor’ is outdated,” Gersey adds. “Almost always, we have surgical options available.”
By leveraging advanced technology, LITT shows us that the future of treating brain tumors is indeed bright. As research develops, we can hope for even more options and better outcomes for patients facing these significant health challenges.
For further research, you can dive into resources like PubMed for the latest studies on laser interstitial thermal therapy and its impacts on patient outcomes.
