Laser Ablation of Recurrent Malignant Gliomas: Current Status and Future Perspective.

Recurrent malignant glioma continues to be a clinical challenge, and repeat surgery is an option in only select patients. Stereotactic laser ablation, a new minimally invasive technique, can be used as an alternative to surgery. We review the current literature on laser ablation for recurrent malignant gliomas as well as discuss practical and theoretical advantages and disadvantages of this emerging technique in comparison with repeat surgery or radiation. We also discuss the potential for laser ablation to augment adjuvant therapies, namely, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.

ABBREVIATIONS: BBB, blood-brain barrierBVZ, bevacizumabHGG, high-grade gliomaLITT, laser interstitial thermotherapyTMZ, temozolomide.