Effects of laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) on proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells in rat brain transplantation tumors.
OBJECTIVE
Laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) is an approach to the treatment of brain tumors especially in poorly accessible regions. Its clinical applicability with tumor cell destruction has been shown in several studies. However, no data are known about specific effects on tumors cells due to LITT in the time course of the lesion.


METHODS
LITT was performed in adult Lewis rats with implanted glioma cells in the brain using a standard exposure of 3 W for 30 seconds. Before and following LITT, neoplastic lesions were monitored by MRI. Proliferation of implanted cells and gliosis were assessed by several histological techniques and immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining.


RESULTS
Our experiments show a destruction of neoplastic cells by LITT but surviving tumor cells at the margin of the lesion. Apoptosis was detected following LITT restricted to residual neoplastic cells. Marginal survival of tumor cells lead to a secondary outgrowth into the necrotic lesion adjacent to sprouting capillaries.


CONCLUSIONS
LITT is a suitable technique for the treatment of brain neoplasms. However, further investigations are necessary to prevent tumor recurrences after LITT.
Schulze
Paul Christian
PC
University of Leipzig, Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, Russenstrasse 19, 04289 Leipzig, Germany.
Adams
Volker
V
Busert
Christoph
C
Bettag
Martin
M
Kahn
Thomas
T
Schober
Ralf
R
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002455:Cell Division; D005910:Glioma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009336:Necrosis; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome