Futurity · Health

Laser therapy shows promise for extending survival in brain cancer patients

New research from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suggests that minimally invasive laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) can be enhanced to improve outcomes for patients with glioblastoma and other brain tumors. The analysis of patient data identified factors that lead to better survival rates and quality of life.

For patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer, the standard treatment often involves invasive surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation. LITT, a less invasive option, is currently used for recurrent, difficult-to-access, or inoperable brain tumors. This procedure involves drilling a small hole in the skull to insert a laser probe guided by MRI, which heats and destroys tumor cells while avoiding healthy tissue.

The analysis, which included 787 patients from a multicenter study, found that the extent of tumor removal is crucial for survival, particularly for newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Patients with at least 91% tumor clearance survived an average of 2.1 years, compared to approximately 1.5 years with standard open surgery. This suggests LITT could be considered as an upfront treatment option.

For brain metastases (cancers that have spread to the brain), the study indicated a survival advantage for patients treated with laser therapy when tumors were small, challenging the practice of watchful waiting. Early intervention yields better outcomes than waiting for tumor growth.

The laser procedure, utilizing the NeuroBlate surgical tool developed by Monteris Medical (which funded the study), requires only a small incision and a short hospital stay of about 32 hours, allowing for quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery. The study confirmed the procedure is well-tolerated, maintains quality of life, and reduces the need for anti-seizure medication. Researchers believe this approach is shifting the framework for brain tumor treatment, offering a low-risk option that allows patients to return home quickly.

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