Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT)

What it is

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive technique that uses heat generated by a laser, delivered through a thin probe inserted through a small opening in the skull, to destroy tumor tissue. It is guided by real-time MRI and is useful for deep or hard-to-reach gliomas.

Understanding Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT)

LITT offers an alternative to open surgery for certain tumors. A thin laser probe is placed into the tumor through a small opening (guided by imaging and navigation), and the laser heats and destroys the tumor tissue from within, while real-time MRI monitors the temperature and the area being treated to protect surrounding brain. Because it requires only a small opening, LITT is less invasive than a craniotomy and may be an option for tumors that are deep, small, in difficult locations, or in patients who are not ideal candidates for open surgery. It is also used for some recurrent tumors and for treatment-related changes (such as radiation necrosis). LITT does not provide a large tissue sample (a small biopsy may be taken), and its role depends on the specific situation. It is available at certain centers. Understanding LITT in gliomas clarifies a minimally invasive, laser-based option for select tumors.

Why it matters

Understanding LITT helps patients and families see a minimally invasive option for select gliomas — using laser heat through a small opening, guided by MRI — that may treat deep or hard-to-reach tumors with less invasiveness than open surgery.