Laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) for retreatment of locally advanced recurrences of breast cancer

The effect of laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) as a palliative method for treatment of patients with local recurrence of breast cancer is investigated. This report describes the use of interstitial laser photocoagulation to manage such lesions. The interstitial laser applications were performed in seven women with locally recurrent breast carcinoma on the chest wall after mastectomy. All patients had been heavily pretreated with conventional modes of therapy (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, surgical resection). A Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm was used to heat the lesions. Pleat expansion was controlled digitally and monitored by ultrasonography and colour-coded duplex sonography (CCDS). In five women this minimally invasive method enabled the precise coagulation of the subcutaneous tumour without destruction of the skin or ulceration, although these areas had been pretreated by irradiation up to 60 Gy. In two patients with extensive multiple metastases and with skin infiltration, secondary skin ulceration and delayed healing was observed. For palliative reasons, LITT under CCDS guide can aid in local control of chest wall recurrence following mastectomy in selected patients.