Purpose

Understanding factors that influence technology diffusion is central to clinical translation of novel therapies. We characterized the pattern of adoption for laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), also known as stereotactic laser ablation (SLA), in neuro-oncology using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

Methods

We identified patients age ≥ 18 in the NIS (2012–2018) with a diagnosis of primary or metastatic brain tumor that underwent LITT or craniotomy. We compared characteristics and outcomes for patients that underwent these procedures.

Results

LITT utilization increased ~ 400% relative to craniotomy during the study period. Despite this increase, the total number of LITT procedures performed for brain tumor was < 1% of craniotomy. After adjusting for this time trend, LITT patients were less likely to have > 2 comorbidities (OR 0.64, CI₉₅ 0.51–0.79) or to be older (OR 0.92, CI₉₅ 0.86–0.99) and more likely to be female (OR 1.35, CI₉₅ 1.08–1.69), Caucasian compared to Black (OR 1.94, CI₉₅ 1.12–3.36), and covered by private insurance compared to Medicare or Medicaid (OR 1.38, CI₉₅ 1.09–1.74). LITT hospital stays were 50% shorter than craniotomy (IRR 0.52, CI₉₅ 0.45–0.61). However, charges related to the procedures were comparable between LITT and craniotomy ($1397 greater for LITT, CI₉₅ $−5790 to $8584).

Conclusion

For neuro-oncology indications, LITT utilization increased ~ 400% relative to craniotomy. Relative to craniotomy-treated patients, LITT-treated patients were likelier to be young, female, non-Black race, covered by private insurance, or with < 2 comorbidities. While the total hospital charges were comparable, LITT was associated with a shorter hospitalization relative to craniotomy.