Brain cancer treatment with MRI-guided stereotactic laser ablation

Stereotactic MRI-guided laser ablation is a minimally invasive neurosurgical method for treating brain cancer. It helps surgeons cope with complex and aggressive tumors, such as glioblastoma, which often recurs and can be life-threatening. In addition, the procedure makes it easier for doctors to access some deep tumors in the skull, which are difficult to reach with traditional open skull trepanation. The therapy takes place under general anesthesia in several steps. The first is a stereotactic procedure, which includes obtaining 3D images and determining the tumor localization. After that, the doctor proceeds directly to the intervention. To access the brain, he carefully makes a tiny hole in the skull with a diameter of only 3 mm. Next, a laser catheter is inserted into the head and directed to the cancer area. The small size and flexibility of the catheter ensure the preservation of healthy brain tissue. When the catheter reaches the desired location, the laser inside it heats up and destroys the cancer tissue. The neurosurgeon monitors the process using MRI in real time and regulates its intensity and duration. Finally, when the athermal ablation is completed, the doctor carefully removes the catheter and sews the skin. Then the patient stays under the supervision of a physician for some time. Usually, the procedure is well tolerated, and if necessary, it can be repeated.