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An Immunocompetent Murine Model for Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy of Glioblastoma
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Laser interstitial thermal therapy with a previously implanted responsive neurostimulation device: a multicenter
Stephen Jaffee1, Jordan Iordanou2, Trent Kite1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Allegheny Health Network Neuroscience Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Journal of Neurosurgery. Case Lessons
|January 22, 2026
Summary
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) combined with responsive neurostimulation (RNS) offers a promising approach for epilepsy management. This minimally invasive technique successfully reduced seizures in two patients with existing RNS systems.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Epilepsy Management
- Minimally Invasive Therapies
Background:
- Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) monitors seizures in two brain regions.
- Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) treats mesial temporal epilepsy.
- Combining LITT with existing RNS presents challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a minimally invasive surgical approach for LITT in patients with RNS.
- To assess the safety and feasibility of LITT while preserving RNS function.
Main Methods:
- Two patients with bitemporal RNS underwent unilateral LITT targeting the dominant seizure onset zone.
- Surgical planning accounted for RNS hardware and MRI safety limitations.
- LITT was performed in the prone position.
Main Results:
- Both patients maintained functional RNS systems postoperatively.
- No complications were reported.
- Technically successful laser ablations showed encouraging early seizure freedom.
Conclusions:
- LITT can be safely performed in patients with pre-existing RNS systems.
- Careful consideration of hardware and MRI protocols is crucial.
- This combined approach is a promising option for targeted epilepsy ablation.
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