Current status of lasers in neurosurgical oncology

During the past decade and a half, the photothermal and photochemical effects of several medical lasers have been studied for the clinical treatment of benign and malignant, primary and secondary central nervous system tumors. Increased precision and hemostasis during tumor excision while limiting manipulation and retraction of nervous tissues are possible with the microsurgical carbon dioxide, argon, and frequency doubled neodymium:YAG lasers. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging-directed volumetric tumor removal by laser is feasible with computer-generated visual displays referenced to the patient's anatomy using stereotactic instrumentation. Photodynamic therapy with hematoporphyrin derivative as the photosensitizer and neodymium:YAG laser hyperthermia are currently under evaluation for the treatment of residual and recurrent malignant tumors. Encouraging results have been reported for each of these nonablative forms of laser use.