Exploring the efficacy and safety of laser interstitial thermal therapy for recurrent high-grade glioma: the first prospective cohort in China

Recurrent high-grade gliomas are complicated cancers that require additional treatment options. Magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is a safe method for treating recurrent high-grade glioma; however, its use in China has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of an MRgLITT system (SinoVision™) developed in China for treating recurrent high-grade glioma.

We included a prospective cohort of patients with recurrent high-grade glioma treated with the Chinese MRgLITT system between March 2021 and December 2022. Clinical data, including basic information, complication rates, outcomes, and survival analyses, were collected for patients who had at least 12 months of follow-up.

32 patients who completed a rountine follow-up period were enrolled. The estimated 1-year overall survival rate was 65.63%, including 56.52% and 88.89% patients with World Health Organization Grades IV and III gliomas, respectively. Baseline Karnofsky Performance Scale score, tumor grade and volume, and post-LITT chemo- and or radiotherapy were positive factors associated with MRgLITT for recurrent high-grade glioma outcomes. The overall complication rate was 9.38%.

The Chinese MRgLITT system is a safe and effective treatment option for recurrent high-grade glioma. As it is a minimally invasive treatment approach that can be tailored to the individual’s anatomy and physiology, MRg LITT may offer a viable alternative for patients who are not suitable candidates for conventional surgical resection.