The Brain Laser Center has some of the most extensive clinical experience with brain laser ablation technology in the country.

Below is an outline of some of our research and clinical trials related to brain laser therapy.

Current clinical trials

MK-3475 in Combination With MRI-guided Laser Ablation in Recurrent Malignant Gliomas

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a major obstacle to drug delivery in the treatment of malignant brain tumors including Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). MRI-guided laser ablation (MLA) has been noted to disrupt peritumoral BBB, which could then lead to increased access of new tumor antigens to the lymphovascular system and vice versa of immune effector cells to the tumor for effective activation of the immune system. Therefore the combination of MK-3475 and MLA as proposed in this protocol is hypothesized to create a therapeutic synergy in which MLA increases material access to promote immune activation and then MK-3475 maximizes these tumor-specific immune reactions to impart effective tumor control.

For more information on this trial, visit the ClinicalTrials.gov page.

Laser Ablation After Stereotactic Radiosurgery (LAASR) trial 

Description: The need for new technologies and devices in the field of neurosurgery is well established. In April 2013, FDA cleared NeuroBlate™ System, minimally invasive robotic laser thermotherapy tool. It employs a pulsed surgical laser to deliver targeted energy to abnormal brain tissue caused by tumors and lesions. This post-marketing, multi-center study will include patients with metastatic tumors who failed stereotactic radiosurgery and are already scheduled for NeuroBlate procedure. The study will collect clinical outcome, Quality of Life (QoL) and, where feasible, healthcare utilization data for publication.

For more information on this trial, visit the ClinicalTrials.gov page.

MRI-Guided Laser Surgery and Doxorubicin Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme

Description: This pilot clinical trial studies magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided laser surgery (MLA) and doxorubicin hydrochloride in treating patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a separation of circulating blood from the tissue of the central nervous system, preventing substances in the blood from entering the brain. MLA disrupts the BBB around the tumor which may allow cancer-killing substances to be carried directly to the tumor and the surrounding area. Using MLA prior to chemotherapy may result in a greater concentration of drug in the tumor to kill the cancer cells while limiting side effects.

For more information on this trial, visit the ClinicalTrials.gov page.

Publications

See a list of related publications.