An analysis of functional outcomes following laser interstitial thermal therapy for recurrent high-grade glioma

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is an emerging tool for treating a variety of focal brain lesions, including recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG). While the efficacy and uses of LITT have been well studied, the impact of this treatment on patient functional outcomes has not been analyzed in detail. This study sought to better define the role of LITT in treating patients with recurrent HGG, examining which patients exhibit good functional outcomes after LITT, and to determine risk factors for worsening neurological function.

The medical records of patients treated with LITT for recurrent HGG at a single tertiary care center were retrospectively reviewed. Functional status was assessed using the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were examined for associations with change in KPS score assessed 4-6 weeks following surgery.

Forty-seven patients were included in the study with histopathologically confirmed recurrent HGG. The mean age was 57 years, and 21 (45%) patients were female. The pre-LITT KPS scores were as follows: 100 in 4 (9%) patients, 90 in 15 (32%) patients, 80 in 10 (21%) patients, 70 in 13 (28%) patients, and 60 in 5 (11%) patients. Overall, 59% of patients showed a stable or improved KPS score after undergoing LITT. Tumor volume was the sole predictor of decreased KPS score after LITT. Notably, tumor location including eloquent location, preoperative KPS score, and other comorbidities were not independently associated with change in functional status.

The majority of patients undergoing LITT for recurrent HGG had a favorable functional outcome at the initial follow-up visit. The treated tumor volume was inversely and independently associated with post-LITT functional outcome. This information may help guide patient selection and treatment optimization in the setting of LITT-based approaches for recurrent HGG.