Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy

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Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive technique that allows surgeons to precisely target and destroy brain tumors without harm to surrounding healthy tissue. In a process called ablation, the heat generated by a small laser is used to kill the cancer cells.

We can use LITT for a variety of tumors, including newly diagnosed and recurrent gliomas as well as brain metastases (cancer that's spread to the brain from elsewhere in the body). It's an effective option for patients who can't have or don't want a craniotomy (the traditional surgical approach of cutting through the skull). LITT's advantages include a smaller incision, shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. We also use LITT to treat certain types of epilepsy.

Demonstrating our commitment to providing the latest and most innovative treatments, UCSF Health was the first Northern California hospital to offer LITT for certain brain tumors and epilepsy. When someone may be a candidate for LITT, our team of neurosurgeons, neurologists and other specialists works collaboratively to evaluate that patient and recommend the best care plan.

Who may benefit

LITT is generally used to treat newly diagnosed or recurrent gliomas and brain metastases. But it may also be option for patients with brain tumors that can't be treated with a craniotomy and those who can't or don't want to undergo that type of surgery.

Whether you're a candidate for LITT depends on a number of factors, including tumor size, shape and location. The technique is most effective on tumors that are round and small (less than 3 centimeters in diameter). Our care team will review your imaging tests, biopsies and other information with you to help you decide whether LITT is right for you.

Advantages

LITT is minimally invasive – the surgeon makes only a small incision in the scalp and a small hole in the skull – and that confers a number of advantages over traditional surgery, including:

  • Less postoperative pain
  • Lower risks of infection and other surgical complications
  • Less time in surgery
  • A shorter hospital stay
  • A faster recovery
  • Smaller scars

Procedure

This laser therapy is done in a regular operating room, with patients under general anesthesia (asleep) throughout the procedure. The neurosurgeon makes a small incision in your scalp and drills a small hole in your skull. Then, using real-time MRI imaging, the surgeon guides a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) to the tumor. Next, a slender laser fiber is threaded through the catheter until it reaches the target. The tip is then heated up to destroy tumor cells.

Sensors in the MRI system allow the surgical team to monitor brain tissue temperatures, so they can be sure the laser is damaging only the cancerous cells and not the healthy surrounding tissue.

You'll be in the operating room for three to four hours (the conventional surgery takes four to six hours). Most of that time is spent positioning the laser; the treatment itself takes only a few minutes.

Risks

Any brain procedure carries risks of bleeding and infection. These risks are much lower with laser therapy than with open surgery.

Recovery

Patients recover from LITT much more quickly than from traditional surgery. Patients who have a craniotomy spend two to five days in the hospital and six to eight weeks recovering from the surgery. LITT patients may go home as soon as the day after the procedure and are able to resume normal activities within two to three weeks.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.