Laser hyperthermia: Past, present, and future

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is an ablative procedure using heat from a laser to provide cytoreduction in tissue. It is a minimally invasive procedure that has been used in intracranial pathologies such as high-grade gliomas, metastatic lesions, epilepsy, and other lesions. While LITT may offer a more acceptable complication profile compared to open surgery, the role of laser therapy for intracranial lesions in current treatment paradigms continues to evolve. This review will focus on the background and application of LITT, the current evidence for its use, and future directions for the technology.