The Safety of Bevacizumab Administered Shortly after Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Glioblastoma: A Case Series

Abstract

Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) enables ablation of lesions using thermal energy with minimal damage to surrounding regions. Bevacizumab has been used as an adjuvant therapy in recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). At present, bevacizumab is administered at least 4-6 weeks after surgical intervention; however, given the minimally invasive nature of LITT, we suggest that bevacizumab can be safely administered at a shorter interval after LITT. Three patients who showed evidence of recurrent GBM on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), underwent LITT, and were subsequently administered bevacizumab within 4 weeks were identified retrospectively. Postoperative MRI was performed 24 hours after treatment and before follow-up. All 3 patients were placed on dexamethasone taper postoperatively. The ablated tumors were analyzed radiographically, and bevacizumab symptoms were monitored carefully. The patients ranged in age from 39 to 69 years. The median duration of follow-up was 26 weeks (range, 13-51 weeks). All 3 patients expired due to disease progression. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 17 weeks (range, 12-22 weeks), and the median overall survival (OS) was 32 weeks (range, 12-51 weeks). There were no postoperative complications or complications due to hemorrhage, infection, or thrombosis (complication rate, 0%; 95% confidence interval 0-56%). This case series suggests that bevacizumab administration is safe within 1 month after LITT, thus showing promise in treating recurrent GBM. Larger studies are warranted to assess the efficacy of combined bevacizumab and LITT.