MR-Guided Laser-Induced Thermotherapy (MRGLITT) as a Feasible New Treatment for Skull Base Tumors

Background: Laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive technique that has been demonstrated as effective treatment of many pathologies; however, it has never been tested in skull base tumors.

Objective: To show the feasibility of LITT for the treatment of skull base lesions in select patients who prefer noninvasive treatment or are unable to undergo extensive skull base tumor resections.

Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients to undergo LITT for skull base lesions was performed. Variables of interest included region of tumor ablation, complications, ease of access of laser cannula, and LITT parameters for treatment.

Results: Three patients underwent LITT for skull base meningiomas. No patients had new or worsening cranial nerve deficits following the procedure except for one case of postoperative neurotrophic keratitis. Postprocedure magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed successful ablation zones within the tumors.

Conclusion: LITT is a feasible, minimally invasive treatment modality for select patients with skull base lesions with the goal of partial tumor ablation. Larger patient populations with longer follow-up are required to further investigate the role of LITT in treating skull base lesions.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 February 2021